LETTER TO THE CHURCHES.
MEMORISE: The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches: and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches. Revelation 1:20
READ: Revelation 1:10 -20
10 I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet,
11 Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea.
12 And I turned to see the voice that spake with me. And being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks;
13 And in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle.
14 His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire;
15 And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters.
16 And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp twoedged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength.
17 And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last:
18 I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.
19 Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter;
20 The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches: and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches.
MESSAGE
We see in our Bible reading - today that Jesus Christ was about to dictate letters for John to write and deliver to seven Churches. The Almighty God chose these seven Churches because they represent all the strengths and weaknesses of Christians all through the ages. In the next few days, we will be looking at each of these letters and drawing lessons from them because they are meant for the body of Christ in general and also for the individuals’ that make up the church. Thus, we should regard them as letters from your husband to you – Christ is the husband of the church as we are his bride.
The statement, he that have an ear should let him hear (Revelation 2:7,11, 17, 29, 3:6, 13, 22) makes it clear that He is talking to individuals. On judgment day, you will get the reward of your works here on earth, regardless of which church you were attending.
When John turn to see the voice that spoke to him, there were seven candlesticks representing the churches and, in their midst, he saw Jesus (Revelation 1:12-13). This tells us that Jesus is in the midst of the churches. Jesus is in our midst in the Redeemed Christian Church of God and other every other churches of God out there. Halleluyah.
As soothing as this information is, it should also bring fear to those who are not doing His will. He is right there in your midst and can see all the atrocities that you are committing in the church. On the other hand, He can see all faithful ones and He has a reward for everyone according to their works. What reward does Jesus has for you?
John also saw seven stars in the hand of Jesus and these seven stars are the angel of the churches. Since it is the angel of these churches that the letters were addressed to (Revelation 2:1), it means these were the leaders of the churches – the Pastors. The Pastors are in His hands. This is why He says that you should not touch his anointed and do his prophet no harm (Psalm 105 :15).
If you are a pastor, ensure that you do not bring abomination into his vineyard so that you will not be crushed by His everlasting hands.
REFLECTION
Based on your works so far, what kind of reward do you think Jesus has prepared for you.
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Songs 3- 8
HYMN 14: NEARER MY GOD TO THEE
1. Nearer, my God, to thee,
Nearer to thee!
E’en though it be a cross
That raiseth me.
Still all my song shall be
Nearer, my God, to thee,
Nearer, my God, to thee,
Nearer to thee!
2. Though like the wanderer,
The sun gone down,
Darkness be over me,
My rest a stone,
Yet in my dreams I’d be
Nearer, my God, to thee,
Nearer, my God, to thee,
Nearer to thee!
3. There let the way appear,
Steps unto heav’n;
All that thou sendest me,
In mercy giv’n;
Angels to beckon me
Nearer, my God, to thee,
Nearer, my God, to thee,
Nearer to thee!
4. Then with my waking thoughts
Bright with thy praise,
Out of my stony griefs
Bethel I’ll raise;
So by my woes to be
Nearer, my God, to thee,
Nearer, my God, to thee,
Nearer to thee!
5. Or if, on joyful wing
Cleaving the sky,
Sun, moon, and stars forgot,
Upward I fly,
Still all my song shall be
Nearer, my God, to thee,
Nearer, my God, to thee,
Nearer to thee
