September 24, 2013
Commendation, condemnation, or correction? If Jesus wrote a letter to your church or fellowship group, what would He say? Would we be willing to carefully listen, and take to heart His words?
Revelation two and three record His personal message to seven literal churches. To each He says, "He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches." (i.e., Revelation 3.6). One church is characterized as having left their first love (Revelation 2.1-7); another faces impending persecution (Revelation 2.8-11). Still another has compromised and embraced false teachings (Revelation 2.12-17); while another is excelling in deeds, love, service, faith, and perseverance (Revelation 2.18-22). Another is spiritually dead (Revelation 3.1-6); another remains faithful (Revelation 3.7-13). Lastly, one church is lukewarm (Revelation 3.14-22)
I remember an elderly man once telling me his standard for involvement in the local church was the question, "what would this church be like if everyone's commitment was the same as mine?" A very challenging question! If my personal commitment was the standard, would the church be stronger, or weaker? Would attendance at services be greater, or less? Would there be more, or less service? More importantly, would Jesus commend, or correct my involvement?
All but one of the seven churches Jesus addresses is in need of some corrective measure(s). All that need correction are also given special promises if they would be overcomers (i.e., Revelation 3.21). His desire for His people is summed up well in this verse: "'Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline; therefore be zealous and repent." (Revelation 3.19)
We are His people. Our assembly and fellowship is as imperfect as we personally are. But, we have a Savior who is intensely interested in His people and His work. Imperfect as His church is, it is still His sole instrument for accomplishing His work, and displaying His presence and power. May we have "ears to hear", and a desire to follow His corrective prescription. Ultimately, may we be overcomers who will have no reason to be ashamed when we personally stand before Him.
Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2013
Be sure to also visit http://thetruthrevolution.wordpress.com/
Revelation two and three record His personal message to seven literal churches. To each He says, "He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches." (i.e., Revelation 3.6). One church is characterized as having left their first love (Revelation 2.1-7); another faces impending persecution (Revelation 2.8-11). Still another has compromised and embraced false teachings (Revelation 2.12-17); while another is excelling in deeds, love, service, faith, and perseverance (Revelation 2.18-22). Another is spiritually dead (Revelation 3.1-6); another remains faithful (Revelation 3.7-13). Lastly, one church is lukewarm (Revelation 3.14-22)
I remember an elderly man once telling me his standard for involvement in the local church was the question, "what would this church be like if everyone's commitment was the same as mine?" A very challenging question! If my personal commitment was the standard, would the church be stronger, or weaker? Would attendance at services be greater, or less? Would there be more, or less service? More importantly, would Jesus commend, or correct my involvement?
All but one of the seven churches Jesus addresses is in need of some corrective measure(s). All that need correction are also given special promises if they would be overcomers (i.e., Revelation 3.21). His desire for His people is summed up well in this verse: "'Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline; therefore be zealous and repent." (Revelation 3.19)
We are His people. Our assembly and fellowship is as imperfect as we personally are. But, we have a Savior who is intensely interested in His people and His work. Imperfect as His church is, it is still His sole instrument for accomplishing His work, and displaying His presence and power. May we have "ears to hear", and a desire to follow His corrective prescription. Ultimately, may we be overcomers who will have no reason to be ashamed when we personally stand before Him.
Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2013
Be sure to also visit http://thetruthrevolution.wordpress.com/
posted by steve @ 8:36 AM
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