December 27, 2013 Jesus Stands for His Church

Christ Speaks to His Church

Read Revelation 2

Rev 2:18 Write this letter to the angel of the church in Thyatira. This is the message from the Son of God, whose eyes are like flames of fire, whose feet are like polished bronze.

FOUR short letters to the churches in Ephesus, Sardis, Pegamum and Thyatira make up Chapter 2. Note how each one begins with the authority of Jesus. Jesus speaks to them as in Rev 2:1 “the message from the one who holds the seven stars in his right hand, the one who walks among the seven gold lampstands” In Rev 2:8 “the one who is the First and the Last, who was dead but is now alive” and in Rev 2:12 “from the one with the sharp two-edged sword”

     Jesus is declaring his authority to speak. His authority comes from the holy throne of God (feet of polished bronze (an image of God’s altar to sacrifice for sin and divine judgment). He is the one who is among all the churches (amid the seven lampstands). Jesus is the one who is resurrected (was dead and is alive). And he holds the truth of judgment and salvation (a sharp, two-edge sword).

     These 4 churches (and the 3 churches in chapter 3) had the great majority of Christians in the world toward the end of the 1^st century AD. Jesus is sending a loud and clear message to each church, declaring that he is their risen Lord. All authority over them belongs to him. He states a positive work each has done—one even to martyrdom—and he warns against evil that has infiltrated the churches.

     As you plan your church’s work, from worship to outreach, ask the question: Are we acting in and declaring the authority of our Lord Jesus Christ?

A Moment’s Thought: Only Jesus’ authority saves.