When our girls were little and we needed to talk to them about some form of conduct that needed correction, they would often offer some kind of defense, “But Dad, I…” They wouldn’t be far into their apologetic before I would raise my hand in the universal signal of “stop,” and then look directly into their eyes and say, “I need you to listen to me. Please stop talking and please start listening to what I have to say…” (That has also proven to be an ongoing practice that has carried through their teen years!)
The Lord does something similar to the seven churches in Asia Minor that he addresses by letter in Revelation 2-3. In each of the seven letters, he concludes his comments by saying, “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches” (2:7, 11, 17, 29; 3:6, 13, 22). In other words, Jesus is saying, “I have something to this church and every church, be attentive and listen to My words.”
The words typically follow a pattern of commendation, condemnation, and correction. In most of the letters, Jesus affirms some pattern of obedience, He corrects some activities of disobedience, and offers a pathway to renewed fellowship with and obedience to Him.
Many applications could be drawn from these letters, but for today, notice the things which Christ commends of these seven churches. What are the kinds of things that produce a “Well done, My good and faithful servant” (see Mt. 25:21ff) from the Lord?
Here are a few activities and attributes that the Lord commends:
Perseverance — unwearying toil — for Christ and against unrighteousness and apostasy.
“I know your deeds and your toil and perseverance, and that you cannot tolerate evil men, and you put to the test those who call themselves apostles, and they are not, and you found them to be false; and you have perseverance and have endured for My name’s sake, and have not grown weary.” (Rev 2:2–3; see also verse 6)
“I know your deeds. Behold, I have put before you an open door which no one can shut, because you have a little power, and have kept My word, and have not denied My name.” (Rev 3:8)
Endurance in suffering and persecution.
“I know your tribulation and your poverty (but you are rich), and the blasphemy by those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan.” (Rev 2:9)
“Because you have kept the word of My perseverance, I also will keep you from the hour of testing, that hour which is about to come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth.” (Rev 3:10)
Faithful obedience to Christi in the midst of a perverse culture.
“I know where you dwell, where Satan’s throne is; and you hold fast My name, and did not deny My faith even in the days of Antipas, My witness, My faithful one, who was killed among you, where Satan dwells.” (Rev 2:13)
“But you have a few people in Sardis who have not soiled their garments; and they will walk with Me in white, for they are worthy.” (Rev 3:4)
Actions that reflect a love for Christ — and an increasing, progressive maturity.
“I know your deeds, and your love and faith and service and perseverance, and that your deeds of late are greater than at first.” (Rev 2:19)
So we might ask the question of ourselves today — are we listening to the Lord? Are we pursuing the activities that reflect a growing maturity in Him? Are we persevering in going God and hating evil? Are we enduring suffering and persecution well? These are among the things that the Lord loves and commends.
Words of Grace 