Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. (Revelation 2:29 NIV)
That phrase is repeated 4 different times in the Chapter. Each time it is after a church has been addressed for falling away from it original walk and faith. The warning is given with a plea to listen and to return to the way of Christ and God. How many times as men have we fallen and needed to be reminded? And how many more times will we need to be asked to listen to what the Holy Spirit is saying to us?
I found this chapter very interesting. Jesus reiterates that He holds the seven stars in His right hand and walks among the seven lampstands. He is also the First and the Last, who died and came to life again. He possesses a sharp double-edged sword, and His eyes are like blazing fire and His feet are like burnished bronze. He gives an example of who exactly He is piece by piece to each of the first four churches. Jesus is speaking to the churches first, to praise them of good deeds for His Kingdom, but He is also keeping them accountable by revealing what they have done wrong.
ReplyDeleteTo the church of Ephesus, He tells them to, "Remember the height from which you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first. If you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place" (verse 5). He goes onto say similar things to the other four churches in this chapter, but what hit me was how Christ is so loving to us but also is a divine and perfect Judge. As I was saying earlier, sometimes we forget that God not only loves us unconditionally, He also is a perfect and just Judge which means He reveals to us our sins by means of the Holy Spirit in order that we remember the height of which we have fallen and repent in order that we may be seen perfect and righteous to Himself.
Solid commentary Mack.
ReplyDeleteI like the last part of verse 23, "then let all of the churches know that I am he who searches minds and hearts, and I will repay each of you according to your deeds". This is a good thing to think of if you are being tempted, that in the end you will be held responsible for your actions and face the punishment or reap the rewards. Those rewards that are talked about in verses 26-29. As long as we listen to the holy spirit and make the right choices he will give us " authority over all the nations."
ReplyDeleteGreat comments Ben. It's better late than never but it's usually better never late. Lol.
ReplyDeleteGreat comments Ben. It's better late than never but it's usually better never late. Lol.
ReplyDelete