For Us All

December 22, 2019

When studying the Bible, I find it helpful to look for patterns. Repetition of words, phrases, or ideas can be the key to unlocking the meaning of a text and discovering what God may be saying to me at any given time. In his initial vision of “the Son of Man” (1:13), John hears him giving a message to the seven churches that were likely part of a preaching circuit in what is now Turkey. Each church receives a different message, but there are some commonalities worth noting.

First, it is the “angels” of the churches who are addressed. Since the word “angel” in the Greek is simply “a messenger,” it is likely he is speaking to the leaders of those churches, ie. the pastors who are responsible for what is being taught and practiced in those various churches. It is not an incidental burden pastors bear. James tells us that we should not be too eager to be teachers because those in leadership will receive a “stricter judgment” (James 3:1). God holds those he places in leadership to a higher standard of accountability, a sobering thought which dogged my steps for years. 

Secondly, a particular characteristic of the Son of Man as described in chapter one is singled out for each church, according to the specific situation that church faced. His was no cookie-cutter message. Jesus meets every need individually. When we need comfort, he is our comfort; when we need direction, he is our guide; when we need correction, he is our judge. He doesn’t give me what you need, nor you what I need. By the same token, he leaves no one out. His eye is upon each one; nothing escapes his notice, his attention, or his care.

Thirdly, he calls on everyone to pay attention. “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” Though addressed to specific churches, the seven messages are for us all. At one time or another, we have all left our first love (Ephesus), at one time or another, we have all been afraid (Smyrna) or tolerated false teaching and immorality, or grown lukewarm (Pergamos, Thyatira, and Laodicea). There are commendations and warnings enough for us all.

Lastly, there is the repeated charge to be an overcomer. It’s not those who start the race that count; it’s those who finish. Sadly, there are plenty who begin walking with Christ, who decide at some point that it’s not worth it. Perhaps they were hurt by someone in the church, or God didn’t answer their prayers the way they had wanted, they fell prey to some deceptive false teaching. For whatever reason, they started, but didn’t finish. Jesus Christ’s word to us all is, “don’t quit!” When it gets hard, don’t quit; when others turn against you, don’t quit; when tempted to simply coast, don’t quit!

As one who is closer to the finish than the starting line, I can attest to the temptation to pull up before the finish line, to slow the pace, or to let stinking thinking get the better of me. Jesus’ words are just as critical today as when he first spoke them: “Watch and pray, that you enter not into temptation. Pick up your cross and follow me. Be an overcomer!” With your help and by your grace Jesus, I will do just that.