Revelation 2:1-2 To the angel of the Church of Ephesus write, "These things says He who holds the seven stars in His right hand, who walks in the midst of the seven golden lampstands: 'I know...'"
The Book of Revelation is an eye-opening look at how Jesus has spoken and speaks to the Church in the continuum of the present and of our modern day. With all the imperfections He still speaks to the various parts of His Body in the earth. The Lord does not disown His Body but affirms His Church, encourages it, and because of love reveals His displeasure in what is left undone, tolerated and overlooked.
In this, He continuously calls His Church to the place of love and intimacy with Him. Every church, every local body, will exemplify one of these seven churches. There are churches that are praised for "love, service, and perseverance," and then there are those praised for "discernment," and those commended for other things as well. One church would be praised for good works but had no discernment tolerating evil, then another with discernment but no depth of intimacy with God.
Philippians 1:9-11 And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment, that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ, being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.
In this we see churches confronted, rebuked and exposed for things while others have only good things spoken of and encouragement from the Lord. The Church of Smyrna, the persecuted church, was not corrected for anything, but rather encouraged to be faithful. Philadelphia, the faithful church, was another that the Lord was completely pleased with. The other churches had some issues, but nonetheless, they were not disowned by the Lord but rather admonished and given the promise "To him who overcomes I will give..."
God knows that man needs incentives. God gave His Church amazing incentives to overcome and be the victorious people of His right hand.So while there is many compromises, much religiosity, toleration of Jezebel, etc., God still holds His hand out to a people admonishing them not to live in ignorance. To live in "ignore-ance" would be to ignore the truth that needs to be received. Just because people are ignorant does not necessarily excuse them.
One thing the Lord makes clear to all of the churches in chapters 2 and 3 of the Book of Revelation is that "He knows." He is the all-seeing, all-knowing God who can see the motives of the hearts. Many think they know, but in truth man only sees in part. That is why we as mere men are always supposed to be dependent on the Lord in all things. Even Paul, who surpasses all in the areas of encounters, experiences, and revelation of the Lord, said that he did not know all things pertaining to his own heart, but only the Lord.
1 Corinthians 4:3-5 But to me it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you or by a human court. In fact, I do not even judge myself. For I know nothing against myself, yet I am not justified by this, but He Who judges me is the Lord. Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord comes, who will both bring to light the hidden things of darkness and reveal the counsels of the hearts. Then each one's praise will come from God.
Paul paid one of the highest prices next to the Lord, is one of the leading pioneers of the faith at its inception. He suffered much, and because of this was counted worthy to experience much of God's treasures, being able to see things that transcended his imagination – so much that he could not even mention or explain. There is much grace that God gives to His people. We see this expressed in this revelation letter. As bad as things were in the churches regarding compromise, sin, and lack of spiritual fire, Jesus still holds out hope for them in their worst condition.
For example, the Church of Sardis which was described as "dead" and still given hope in that Jesus said, "remember where you have come from." In other words, if you can remember where you came from, there is hope for you to get back on track and come alive again. Then the Lord holds out the promise "To him who overcomes" to every church, no matter what the condition.
I've said many times, "There is always hope on this side of Heaven." With that, it is important and mandatory that we deal with business when the Lord reveals it to us. It is only through such an intimate connection with God that we are able to see these things that He is so against. It is no mystery and quite obvious that the Church is full of imperfections. It is the grace of God toward us that He still works with us to form Christ in us in the journey. Paul labored in prayer that Christ might be formed in the Believers. On one end of things, we are new creations. On the other, God is bringing our souls into alignment with the desires of the Spirit.
There is seeing, understanding and the corresponding desire to want to change that must accompany any and all revelation that God gives to us that we may live in a place of His pleasure. We are in perpetual change. This change comes as His people learn to embrace His higher thoughts, finding joy through beholding Him through intimate communion. By answering His knock on the door, by spending time with Him, His Word becomes alive and we move from the mindset of a sinner to that of a saint that has been washed in the Blood of Christ. The Book of Revelation is foremost about Christ, but very much about "the overcomers." As we choose to live as overcomers, we will find His grace in every place and victory at every turn.
His overflow be yours!
Replies
As I read this post; As Jesus spoke to each church with the concerns of there actions or non-actions. Their performance or non-performance. This comes to us as individuals as well, how are we representing the things of God. As this statement in our reading; “In this, He continuously calls His Church to the place of love and intimacy with Him”. This is what God is calling for us, His LeaderShifters. We as God’s people exemplify one of these churches within ourselves. as the church of Sardis; here in Rev 2:2 the Ephesus church 2 ‘I know your deeds and your toil, and your patient endurance, and that you cannot tolerate those who are evil, and have tested and critically appraised those who call themselves apostles (special messengers, personally chosen representatives, of Christ), and [in fact] are not, and have found them to be liars and impostors;
3 and [I know that] you [who believe] are enduring patiently and are bearing up for My name’s sake, and that you have not grown weary [of being faithful to the truth].
4 But I have this [charge] against you, that you have left your first love [you have lost the depth of love that you first had for Me].
5 So remember the heights from which you have fallen, and repent [change your inner self—your old way of thinking, your sinful behavior—seek God’s will] and do the works you did at first [when you first knew Me];
As the church of Sardis;
1I know your deeds; you have a name (reputation) that you are alive, but [in reality] you are dead.
2 Wake up and strengthen and reaffirm what remains [of your faithful commitment to Me], which is about to die; for I have not found [any of] your deeds completed in the sight of My God or meeting His requirements.
3 So remember and take to heart the lessons you have received and heard. Keep and obey them, and repent [change your sinful way of thinking, and demonstrate your repentance with new behavior that proves a conscious decision to turn away from sin]. So then, if you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what hour I will come to you.
Where do we find ourselves, its time for an inventory check, and make some adjustments. My God!!!
Seven stars are the angels of God to protect and minister to the seven churches
God knows all things. He wants his people to live in the joy of the Lord he wants all to get in alignment with Him/His word and we can do this by having an intimate relationship with Him.
Side Notes:
Revelation 2:1-2
A most instructive and encouraging letter is sent them by Paul, for their guidance both in doctrine and practice. Timothy receives full instructions from the apostle for the performance of his pastoral duties among them. And to crown all their privileges, during the apostolic age, John, gives them the benefit of the rich experience of his latter days, and the benedictions of his last breath.
(2) The chief difficulties with which the gospel had to contend in this city.
(a) The prejudices of the Jews.
(b) The pride of human learning.
(c) The influence of a popular idolatry and an interested priesthood.
(d) The effect of riches.
(e) Sensual indulgence.
(3) The gospel when faithfully preached, and accompanied by pastoral visits and fervent prayer, will surmount all opposition, and extensively prevail.
Amen will be sharing this Greatt truth amen.
Seven Stars, Seven Spirits, Seven Lampstands
Its time that we in the body of Christ Includes the Spirit of the Lord, and the Spirits of wisdom, of understanding, of counsel, of might, of knowledge and of fear of the LORD, in our lives so that the MYSTERY of the Seven STARS IN CHRIST's can make more since to us.
We are Overcomers !! If we allow chastisement from God, which sometimes comes in the form of correction through his anointed, appointed women and men of God. Our leaders, teachers, overseers, etc. We can repent as individuals and as a church. Asking for forgiveness. Then spend time in God's presence...fast, pray, be still and listen so you/we can hear God's answer and direction for us. We want his fresh wind to ignite us, fresh oil, fresh anointing, fresh zeal ! God will equip us to go out do kingdom business, bring in the lost,etc. Our lives should exemplify his Grace, mercies, love, peace, victorious living. We can live the through obstacles, trials and let our tests become testimonies.
Never looked at the book of Revelation as being about "The Overcomers" !
We can get back on track, come alive again !!! Hallelujah !!!