In the prologue of his written revelation John proclaims a blessing on the believers who respond to the words of the book. In 1:3 John states two actions that inherit the blessings. The first is to those who read the book. The implication may be to read it to others. There are many who have shied away from the reading of these words. We need this reminder that to do so is to close ourselves to God's blessing. The second expected response is that of obedience to the commands recorded in the revelation. Just what are those commands? As I read through the letter I hope to identify those commands.
The first is from the letter to the Ephesian believers. In 2:5 Jesus instructs those wandering believers to remember and repent. To the believers in Smyrna Jesus commanded them to be fearless and faithful in the face of suffering (2:10). For the church in Pergamum comes the call to change their minds regarding the heretical believers in their body (2:14-16). For the Christians in Thyatira John gave them the instruction to "hold on" (2:25). For the church in Sardas is the command to wake up and rebuild the weak parts (3:2). Then return to the Gospel message and heed it (3:3). The Philadelphian believers are presented an open door (3:8) but no specific command. The Laodicean believers are given advice from the Lord (3:18). The figurative words are a call to repent; a point Jesus makes in 3:19.
Stuart
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Revelation 1-3
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