The book of Revelation is an invitation to consider Jesus.
John is invited to consider Jesus. He is given the opportunity to do so by the ultimate close encounter of the divine kind. The encounter, however, is not for him to feel goosebumps and think about what a friend he has in Jesus. The brilliant vision of Jesus that John took on board was the beginning of some important words that Jesus wanted John to carefully note down for seven churches. He had messages for each church, but He expected those with an ear to hear to listen carefully to what the Spirit was saying to the churches. Those who cared about the Lord Jesus would not just be interesting to hear what He has to say about your particular church, you should take interest in what He has to say about His church. Hearing what He has to say gives you a whole perspective on His church even as He happens to be speaking to seven of them scattered throughout a region with varying challenges and issues to deal with from the surrounding society and from within.
The outline of these messages is for the church to be aware of what is required for them to be right and ready for something even greater than what they’ve experienced or what they’re going through. The groom is preparing His bride. He wants His bride to be spotless. He wants His bride to love as He loves them. He wants His bride to be unblemished by idolatry, immorality and indulgence. He wants His bride faithful to Him and focused on what matters to Him. That will require His Bride to repent from time to time. That will require His Bride to wake up to times when she’s been delusional thinking she’s all that, when she’s a total mess. He wants His Bride to pick her head up when she feels battered by those around her. He wants His bride prepared for the glories that await all those who overcome, who is named among the conquerors.
We capture a glimpse of Him and get an insight into those glories that await. We know there are troubles to come. We know there’s an enemy keen to defeat us. We know this. But He does not want us to be afraid, He does not want us to be ignorant. He wants us to endure, to persevere, to love, to live in the light of the one who was and is and is to come. The idea is that those who hear Him as He speaks to His churches will respond with humility and diligence. Their response mixed with great expectations to enjoy all that He’s promised and also be eager to encourage others to enjoy what is to come as long as we endure now.
The word to the churches then communicates to people in real situations and issues. He speaks then. He speaks now. Those who hear are not just exercising listening faculties – they exercise a desire to do what is pleasing in the sight of this beautiful Saviour – this glorious Lord.
God help us as those with ears to hear, pay careful attention to what the Spirit says to the churches.
For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
C. L. J. Dryden
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