December 27
Revelation 3:1-6:17
After reading the first four letters to the churches yesterday, we now encounter the final three. These letters follow a general pattern of: a truth about Jesus, a statement about the church's present condition, an exhortation to action, and a reward to come. Every church is called to action, but each one is given a specific motivation to encourage them to live transformed lives and persevere. The church of Sardis will be clothed in white (righteousness) and will have their name in the Book of Life. Their identity should not be from Roman census papers but in their eternal identity as God’s children. The church in Philadelphia is to be motivated by an unending relationship with God compared to being a pillar in the temple. The temple symbolizes God's presence and to be a pillar is to remain with him. Knowing that God is with us now and for all eternity should compel us to obedience. Finally, the church in Laodicea is to be motivated by intimacy with God which is described by sharing a meal with him.
As we walk with God, we will experience a closeness with him and even sit enthroned with him for all eternity. As we consider what we are motivated to do, we need to compare them to the promises God holds out in these seven letters. To live for something less than God will never satisfy, so we should be motivated by God’s promises to keep following God.
Father God, help me to be motivated by your promises and your word. Amen.
Which one of the motivations mentioned in the seven letters do you want to motivate you?
After reading the first four letters to the churches yesterday, we now encounter the final three. These letters follow a general pattern of: a truth about Jesus, a statement about the church's present condition, an exhortation to action, and a reward to come. Every church is called to action, but each one is given a specific motivation to encourage them to live transformed lives and persevere. The church of Sardis will be clothed in white (righteousness) and will have their name in the Book of Life. Their identity should not be from Roman census papers but in their eternal identity as God’s children. The church in Philadelphia is to be motivated by an unending relationship with God compared to being a pillar in the temple. The temple symbolizes God's presence and to be a pillar is to remain with him. Knowing that God is with us now and for all eternity should compel us to obedience. Finally, the church in Laodicea is to be motivated by intimacy with God which is described by sharing a meal with him.
As we walk with God, we will experience a closeness with him and even sit enthroned with him for all eternity. As we consider what we are motivated to do, we need to compare them to the promises God holds out in these seven letters. To live for something less than God will never satisfy, so we should be motivated by God’s promises to keep following God.
Father God, help me to be motivated by your promises and your word. Amen.
Which one of the motivations mentioned in the seven letters do you want to motivate you?
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