“Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.”
Jesus asks John to write a separate letter to seven churches (and us). Each church has a different message. Each letter has a message for us as well. Also, each letter to the churches has a specific pattern. Jesus shares something different about Himself. Jesus shares the positive and negative things about the church. One church has no positive, and one church has no negative. Lastly, Jesus gives a potential blessing if the church (us) responds.
About Jesus:
These are the words of him who holds the seven stars in his right hand and walks among the seven golden lampstands. The seven stars are the pastors, and the seven lampstands are the churches. Jesus has a supernatural presence with the pastors and a presence in the churches. A healthy church and pastor should be anointed with the presence of Jesus. This presence brings hope and miracles and draws broken people to the cross for healing and cleansing of the heart. In today’s environment, there may be many churches without the presence of Jesus. Maybe the preacher speaks more about psychology and how to be happy. These churches are void of Jesus’ presence.
About the Church:
Jesus sees all the churches do (and us) and compliments their hard work. They are swamped working for the church, but they are patient, hard-working, and endure suffering. The church (us) has become so busy that it has forgotten to know Jesus. Corry Ten Boon says, “If the devil cannot make us bad, he will make us busy.” The church has lost its passion for Christ. They were too busy. We can also become so busy in life that we forget to meditate on scripture and connect with Jesus. WE MUST PROTECT OUR TIME WITH CHRIST. If not, we will slip away from His presence. Consider where you have fallen. Consider your priorities. Ask anyone, and they will say they are a Christian, but how much time is spent on devotion, prayer, and the Bible? REPENT to Christ, return to the passion of God’s presence.
Potential reward or judgment:
Do you hear the message to this church and us? Jesus says, “To those who are victorious and overcome their business to restore their relationship with Christ, Jesus will give you fruit from the tree of life in heaven. Do you have ears to hear? Consider this past week or month. How are your efforts to grow close to Christ?
Light-N-side 