Message for the Week

Revelations Ch 2 and 3 are messages for seven churches. The book of Revelation  which God gave unto him to show unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass.

Seven: why only to seven churches? There were other churches too, like, Hierapolis, Miletus, Troas etc. the number seven have an importance I the bible.

We can see several sevens from Gen to Rev. God finished the creation in six days and he rested on the seventh day. Jacob served Laban for 7 years and again for seven years. And in the Rev. Ch 1 itself there are 10 sevens.

Seven shows completeness and perfection.

The seven churches represent seven different ages from the first century till the present.

Author: In the beginning of each message it is given who is giving it. And also the all messages end with a warning ‘He that hath an ear, let him hear what the spirit saith unto the churches’. This shows the importance of the message.

Geography: Ephesus lies north of Mediterranean sea and East of Aegean sea, part of present Turkey. All the churches lies with in a distance of about 40 miles I a circle form.

The church had a good beginning, with Timothy, John, Appollos, Acquilla  and Prescilla etc. The saints there were very spiritual and zealous for God.

He is in our midst. Ch.2:1. Who walketh in the midst of the seven golden lamp stands The Lord’s presence is in the midst of the churches, he walketh in the midst. Where we gather in his name, we should be aware and cautious that he is in our midst. Show him love, concern and responsibility to the church. And we are around him, sitting close by, in equal distance. We read that Mary sat at the feet of the Lord, and his disciple sat around him on the table during the supper. We should sit at his presence with reverent heart.

He knows our work and labor. What ever we do for him, he knows, rewards it. To know that he knows all our aspect is matter of comfort and console. We should also be aware that he knows our failures also.

He knows our patience. We should not become cold in laboring for him. At the time of afflictions and trials, and temptations we should not lose our patience. We should stand fast in the faith.

We should not bear them that are evil, or those walking unscriptural. Instead try them and cast them out. We should find out who are false apostles. Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves (Mat 7:15)

But this thou hast. That thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitans. (Verse 6). The Lord commends their stand. That they hate the deeds of Nicolaitans, who were following the gentile traditions. Holding fast their old passions and behavior. We should part with our old nature, even valuables for the sake of faith.

Thou have left thy first love. After commending their all-good works, God points out their one failure. I have somewhat against thee because thou have left thy first love. This will be a gradual. The love is often compared with wedded love. I remember thee, the kindness of thy youth, the love of thine espousals, (Jer.2:2). ….. I have espoused you to one husband …..(2Cor.11:2). In Jn. 21:15, Jesus Christ asks Peter, Simon, son of Jonah, lovest thou me more than these? (Jn.21:15). The same question was asked three times. The outward expression of love to God is brothers loving one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another (Jn.13:35). Because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall grow cold (Mat.24:12)

Remedy, Repent:  Remember from where thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works.(V5). First repentance and then come back and do the first work.

Rewards: God promises rewards for the obedience of his commandments, and also punishments for disobedience. For God is not unrighteous to forget your work, and labor of love, which ye have shown toward his name …..(Heb.6:10), Behold I come quickly, and my reward is with me to give every man according as his work shall be. (Re.22:12).

Let us therefore, examine ourselves if we have fallen from the first love, and repent and do the fist work.

Beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, and to virtue knowledge ….. and to brotherly kindness love. For if these things be I you and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. (2Pet.1:5-8).