Secrets in the Stars

Job 38:31

Can you bind the sweet influences of Pleiades or loose the bands of Orion?

This was one of the questions God posed to Job when He finally broke the silence and confronted the latter out of a whirlwind. The heavens above are vast and infinite; earth by comparison is but a mere speck, much less mortal man who inhabits this terrestrial terrain. Incredibly, God pointed Job to the stars, or rather two clusters of stars known as the Pleiades and Orion constellations, and challenged his ability to make adjustment to the movements of these heavenly bodies—something that is both unthinkable and absurd to the human mind.

Reason dictates that only God the Creator is capable of such a feat of cosmic proportion—and this was precisely what He had done. The ancients knew this fact—that the stars in the night skies tell a story:

Psalm 19:1-2
The heavens declare the glory of God and the firmament proclaims his handiwork. Day to day utters speech and night to night shows forth knowledge.

So what am I driving at, you ask. It may surprise you to know that the geographical locations of the seven churches actually mirrored the pattern of the Pleiades, the seven sister stars cluster found on the back of the Taurus constellation! Is it just a coincidence, or is there something more to it than meets the eye? As we progress further into our study of Revelation, I will bring up more of such examples to show that whatever counsel God had predetermined in the heavens will happen on the earth, according to the time and seasons appointed.

Isaiah 46:9-10
Remember the former things of old: for I am God and there is none else; I am God and there is none like me, declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying: My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure.

Chapter 3 (Part 3)

LAODICEA

 

Laodicea was a wealthy, industrious city in the province of Phrygia located in the Lycus valley, about 45 miles southeast of Philadelphia and 100 miles east of Ephesus. It was a banking center for Asia Minor with a medical school specializing in eye treatment.

If we look carefully at the condition of churches today, it's not hard to detect the Laodicean spirit that is prevalent within, notably the independent and self-satisfied attitude of many well-to-do believers and their lukewarm participation in the church communities they belong to.

Verse 14

Notice the way Christ addressed the church by the name of the Laodiceans instead of the name of the city like in the previous six churches. It was run and directed by the members as if they had the final say while the Lord was relegated to a mere figure head and shut out completely (more of this in verse 20).

Christ identified Himself as the Amen—the One who has the last word, and He told the conceited Laodiceans straight in their faces as a faithful and true witness concerning their sad spiritual conditions. More than that, He reminded these proud believers who's the Real Boss—He's the Beginning, the One who precedes all of God's creation. We too had better wake up our own ideas if we ever think we had God tamed and boxed up in our petty little theologies and firmly under our control, including the way we do or play church.

Verses 15-16

No commendation. Straight to the point. Within two verses, Christ rebuked their lukewarm devotion (neither cold nor hot) three times. Do we still dare to take lightly as if it doesn't matter a bit? Be careful! The Lord will not tolerate such an attitude. We don't want to become distasteful to Christ and find ourselves spewed—in a literal sense vomited out of His mouth, do we?

Verse 17

The Laodiceans were letting the deceitfulness of riches and the cares of this life choke their spiritual vitality (Mark 4:19), and we know what the consequence is: a wasted and unfruitful life. And the fact that the Laodiceans didn't even realize their true spiritual state made it all the more tragic.

Verses 18-19

Despite the appalling way these believers treated the Lord, He still rebuked them out of love. Christ reminded them that earthly riches can only satisfy the body, but gold that is refined in fire—a pure, unadulterated faith that is devoted to Him—can nourish our soul (1 Peter 1:7-9). No wonder Augustine exclaimed:

Lord, Thou hast made us for Thyself; and our hearts are restless until they find their rest in Thee!

Our best effort to put up a spiritual façade and impress men outwardly will never fool God or others for long anyway; only the white raiment of Christ's righteousness can enable us by His grace to live a life that is clear of offence toward God and men (Acts 24:16). A superficial Christian life may fool others for a while but it will ruin us for eternity.

We are shortsighted if we invest the bulk of our lives for this world, and offer God only the scraps or leftovers—if we are even willing to squeeze out what precious little time from our busy schedules and plans—and all these while thinking that we're making a great sacrifice by doing so. Yeah, big deal.

The eye salve that Christ offers, is the anointing of our spiritual eyes by His Spirit, so that we can see beyond this present, temporary life and live in wisdom for eternity. When time finally runs out, our gains or losses will be permanently fixed. No more opportunities to live for Christ and preach the gospel, no more chances to exercise our spiritual gifts to build the kingdom of God. Worst still, the fire of God might even burn away the little that we thought we have! (1 Corinthians 3:13-15; Matthew 25:29)

While we still have the time and life, let us make every moment count for the Lord and for eternity. The aged patriarch Joshua (Greek, Jesus) challenges us thus:

If you find it wearisome and a chore to serve the LORD, then make up your mind who you really want to serve. (Joshua 24:15, paraphrased)

Still wishy-washy? Thinking to put it off a little longer until we have our fill of the world? For heaven's sake—let's make up our minds and stick to it!

A double minded man is unstable in all his ways. (James 1:8)

Verse 20

Many Christians apply this verse as invitation for unbelievers, when in fact Christ is talking to believers who had shut the door of their hearts to Him.

Imagine! How many rooms in our hearts are off-limits to the Lord? Christ desires to sup with us, to spend quality time in fellowship over an unhurried meal—His Word, the spiritual manna. We spend so much time over a good meal with our friends talking casual trivialities, and yet we're unwillingly to spend time communing with our Lord over the things that concern Him.

Each of us is given 24 hours a day and Christ will require us to give account on how we have use it when we stand before Him. Time is not for us to waste and kill away, especially after we have been redeemed by the Lord. He can take away our lampstand anytime without notice, so never assume time is on our side. It isn't.

The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light. (Romans 13:12)

Verses 21-22

Though there is no commendation, Christ did not leave them empty without a promise. O what grace and mercy! And how undeserving we are! May we repent of our half-hearted love and devotion to the Lord.

Christ will grant the overcomer to sit with Him in His throne, just as He earned it from His Father through His obedience in doing the Father's will. Salvation is free but not cheap; rewards however, are earned and not a-given. Do we wish only to be saved by the skin of our teeth, or to be awarded the crown (stephanos) of an overcomer?

He who has ears to hear, let him hear what the Spirit is saying to the churches.

Chapter 3 (Part 2)

PHILADELPHIA

The city of Philadelphia, situated 30 miles south east of Sardis, was founded by king Eumenes II of Pergamum, who named it after his loyal and dedicated brother, Attalus II who earned the nickname Philadelphos. Philadelphia comes from two Greek words: 'phileo' (to love) and 'adelphos' (brother).

The church of Philadelphia parallels the period of worldwide evangelistic outreach and great spiritual revival for the Church; brotherly love was prominently displayed and love for the lost demonstrated in relentless missionary endeavors.

Verses 7-8

Christ now depicts Himself differently from the introductory chapter of Revelation—as One that is holy and true. The church of Philadelphia was walking in holiness and abiding in the truth, and Christ was pleased with it. No condemnation, only commendation. Does our walk please the Lord? Do we even desire to please Him at all?

Therefore endure hardness as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier. Consider what I say; and the Lord give you understanding in all things. (2 Timothy 2:3-4,7)

The reference to the key of David can be found in Isaiah 22:22 where God declared He would remove Hezekiah's unfaithful steward Shebna and give the key to the house of David (the stewardship to the treasury) to Eliakim, a more honorable man. The name Eliakim means 'he whom God raise up' and indeed Jesus is the One whom God has set over His house, the Church. Do we belong to Him? Then we should live by His Spirit and not according to the desires of our flesh.

But you are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. (Romans 8:9)

Christ already said He has the key of death and hell; now He holds the key to the kingdoms on earth, and He opens and shuts the doors at will. He knows that His saints have a little strength—those who keep (delight and obey) His Word and do not deny (are not ashamed of) His Name. As a result, He has set before them an open door which no one can shut.

What is this open door? It is the opportunity to evangelize, to bring the gospel to the unsaved. A brother once shared with me that after he was converted, he could not walk down the street and look at the masses of people without tears in his eyes, because he saw them as lost souls desperately in need of God's love. Are we still loitering outside the open door, or making use of the opportunities to sow the seed while it is still day? The night is coming upon us soon...

Verse 9

Those who love and honor the Lord are often disdain or sneer at by those who love the world and give only lip service to Him. For now, the faithful remnant is despised and discounted off as irrelevant and inconsequential, but Christ will elevate them to a place of honor and prove the professing masses wrong—dead wrong. The wheat and the tares now grow alongside each other, but Christ will make a distinction for those He counted faithful one day.

Verses 10-11

Christ promises those who keep the word of His patience that He in turn will preserve them in the coming great tribulation which the world and its inhabitants will be subjected to (Luke 21:35-36).

What is this word of His patience? There are many verses that shed light on it, some of which are listed below:

In your patience possess ye your souls. (Luke 21:19)

But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it. (Romans 8:25)

Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. (James 5:7)

Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus. (Revelation 14:12)

Peter warned that in the last days there will be scoffers walking after their own lusts, and questioning the return of Christ (2 Peter 3:3-4). Among these will include believers who are so at home in the world they are not ready for Christ's return or even wish He'll never come back in their lifetime!

But Christ says He will come quickly, and He warns us to stand firm and not give in to these influences and pressures, lest we too lose our reward.

Verses 12-13

The city of Philadelphia was situated over an earthquake zone so the people were familiar with instability as they run out of collapsing buildings to safety when the grounds shook. Christ promises His faithful church that He will make them pillars in His temple which will never crumble, and they will be secured and never need to run out anymore, but will be in the Presence of God—their Rock of refuge—forever.

The overcomer will have three names written on him: the name of God, the name of the new city Jerusalem coming down out of heaven from God, and Christ's new name. What do all these names signify?

The name of God on a believer signifies God's ownership of him, just as in ancient times a master would brand his name on his slaves. It is a seal of protection, that a true believer is off-limits to the devil and his evil spirits.

We know that whoever is born of God do not continue to live in sin, but keeps himself blameless so that the wicked one has no ground to accuse him. (1 John 5:18)

The name of the new Jerusalem is the passport or citizenship rights to the kingdom of God, along with all the privileges and benefits that only a citizen is entitled to enjoy.

Therefore you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints who belong to the household of God. (Ephesians 2:19)

The new name of Christ is the name that the Church, the Bride of Christ, will assume from henceforth—just as a woman who is married will take on the surname of her husband and be identified with him as one.

What's in a name? Definitely more than we can possibly realize when our eternal stake depends on it. Jesus, Name above all names, beautiful Savior, glorious Lord!

Chapter 3 (Part 1)

SARDIS

The city of Sardis was located about thirty miles south-east of Thyatira. It was built upon a high plateau with sharp cliffs on three sides forming a natural defense, with a steep ascend as the only access. The name Sardis means 'to come out'.

Sardis parallels the church period of the Reformation or the awakening from the Dark Ages. Indeed the Church was just a facade of spirituality without any life after over 1000 years of corrupt doctrines and traditions, if the Lord had not breathe a new lease of life into an almost dead Church.

Verse 1

Christ is pictured as having the seven Spirits and the seven stars, implying that the life force of the Church is the Holy Spirit. Just as its birth came by the Spirit, so too the Church's vitality is dependent on the Spirit.

Sardis had works, but it only looked good on the outside without true substance on the inside. There are many churches like this today, whose members go through the motions of religion. They have a form of godliness, but deny or leave no room for the Spirit to work in their own busy lives (2 Timothy 3:5). It is a tragedy that many attend church, perhaps even serve out of duty, but there is no daily living relationship with the Lord. They are in the church because of family, friends or finances (church staff or business connections).

Verses 2-3

Sadly, Christ found nothing in the church of Sardis worth commending. Instead, He warned them to wake up to the reality of their spiritual state and salvage whatever precious little they had left before it's too late.

Can we recall what it's like when we first heard the gospel and received the Spirit's illumination of our sinfulness and need of a Savior? Remember the joy of having our sins forgiven, how we held firmly to every story about Jesus we read and heard, and how we longed to hear His voice in the Word? Does the mention of His Name still excite us or does it bring out a subtle yawn now? Is our love for Jesus still as vibrant, or is it about to die without even our knowing or realization?

There's no denying it. If we're not longing for His return with each passing day, we can be certain that affection of the hearts have changed—and it's definitely not the Lord's!

Verse 4

Christ knew who were the faithful few, and He counted them worthy to walk with Him in white. It's always easier to go with the flow, to settle for the status quo, to take the path of least resistance and conflict, rather than to walk the lonely road of obedience which the Lord walked. But to desire the applause of men is to lose the approval of Christ.

Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you! For so did their fathers to the false prophets. (Luke 6:26)

The false prophets are the unfaithful ones who distort the Word of God to please others and soothe their conscience, allowing them to carry on their self-seeking ways instead of glorifying and honoring God. The faithful, on the other hand, are the ones who bear the brunt of men's displeasure for speaking and living out the truth.

No pain, no glory; no sacrifice, no reward.

Verse 5-6

Christ extends this same promise to those who overcome—to be clothed in white, which is the righteousness of the saints  (cf. Revelation 19:8). This white fine linen is also the wedding apparel of the Bride of Christ.

Incredibly, Christ says He will not blot out the names of those who overcome out of the book of life. Does it mean it's possible to have our names blotted out if we fail to watch and keep the faith with patience while enduring and waiting for His return? (Matthew 25:1-13) After all, you can't blot out something that is not there in the first place, isn't it?

This is a solemn thought for us to ponder, especially if deep down we know we do not have a real, living relationship with Jesus, a constant abiding and acknowledging His right to rule our lives as we live out the obedience of faith, by producing godly fruits and works that accompany our profession.

Jesus' last phrase confirms His assertations in the gospels:

Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven. (Matthew 10:32)

Also I say unto you, Whosoever shall confess me before men, him shall the Son of man also confess before the angels of God. (Luke 12:8)

Let us not be ashamed to confess before men our relationship and devotion to the Lord, lest He too will be ashamed of us in return.

Chapter 2 (Part 4)

THYATIRA

The city of Thyatira was about forty miles east of Pergamos. A trade center with many trade-related guilds, it was home to Lydia, the seller of purple (Acts 16:14).

Historically, the Thyatira church refers to the period known as the Middle or Dark Ages. The Church of Rome was at its zenith of power and wealth, keeping many in ignorance of the Word and in fear of its papal authority, using its intricate system of Babylonian superstitions to rule the commoners and control the monarchs and their armies.

Verse 18

Christ identifies Himself as the Son of God, with flaming eyes and feet of brass refined as in a furnace, a depiction of One who searches the deep things, yea, even secret and hidden sins, and in judgment tramples the winepress of God's wrath.

Verse 19

Seemingly, Christ listed out a long array of good works: charity, service, faith, patience. He even emphasized 'works' twice! And true enough, the Romish church exceled in good works, not out of love for the Lord but to gain personal merits. Under such a meritocratic system of salvation, it is therefore not surprising that 'the last are more than the first' as many were eager to serve and sacrifice to earn their entrance into heaven.

Even so, within the confines of Romish spiritual darkness there was still a remnant who shone brightly in their love for Christ and lived the best they could with the limited understanding and spiritual resources they had, as they sought out the truth buried beneath years of accumulated human traditions and inventions. To these, Christ commended their efforts despite their imperfection.

Verse 20-23

The name Jezebel is associated with Baal worship, a corruption of the worship of Yahweh in the days of Elijah, and brings with it the sins of whoredom and witchcraft. This self-appointed prophetess brought subtle heresies and new revelations (false teachings) into the church to deceive the simple and ignorant, and seduce the spiritually weak.

Paul warned that in time to come many will not endure sound doctrine (get bored or tired of the truth) and will seek out teachers with itching ears who speak what they like to hear and make them feel good about themselves.

Do we get tired of hearing sound preaching, secretly wishing in our hearts for some juicy stories or quick-witted jokes to spice up the sermon and distract us from what God has to say to us? Be careful we don't end up like the people in Malachi's days (1:12-14). Worship is all about Jesus, not about our feelings, and certainly not about ourselves!

Let us repent of that spirit of Jezebel while God stayed His hand of judgment. The One with flaming eyes searches the reins and hearts, and will render to every one of us according to what we deserve. God will surely refine and purge those who refuse to repent and clean up their acts.

Verses 24-25

Christ now specifically addressed the angel of the church and the remnant. This noticeable shift from addressing the church corporately as in the first three is remarkable. Evidently, false doctrines and traditions of men had so filled and permeated the church of Thyatira, Christ no longer regarded it as His own except the few who remained true to Him!

Darkness had so engulfed the Romish church it had descended into the grip of Satan, with all sorts of paganistic rituals and beliefs in place and practiced in glaring contradiction to the Word of God. Discerning believers will recognize the religion of the Thyatira church to be nothing more than a Christianized form of Babylonian mysteries—the depths of Satan.

Paul said that only the Spirit is able to teach the 'deep things of God' to believers (1 Corinthians 2:10), but there were believers in the Thyatira church who knowingly delved into the 'deep things of Satan'! (2:24) Like Adam and Eve, fallen human has an innate curiosity into the unknown and mystical which Satan uses to seduce and entrap those who dabble into the occult—the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.

Christ knew that His remnant is powerless to do anything about it, so He only required that they hold fast to what they already had—the little truth and light that would keep them away from the errors of the corrupt church.

Verses 26-29

The one who refuses to be corrupted by human traditions and false doctrines but maintains his witness for the truth, will rule with Christ when He returns to judge the nations. The rod of iron is a symbol of absolute authority; Jesus wields this scepter as the King of kings and He will delegate His authority to His saints to rule the nations in the Millennial Kingdom.

Christ also promises to give the Morning Star to the overcomer. Stars in the scriptures are often used to depict angels; the Morning Star is the brightest star in the sky and is accorded to the Lord Jesus, also known in the Old Testament as the Angel of the LORD, possible a theophany of the pre-incarnate Christ. Possessing Christ therefore is to possess His resurrection life and power to defeat both darkness and death. Hallelujah!

Chapter 2 (Part 3b)

End-times puzzle piece:

Talking about stones, do you know that in the state of Georgia a granite monument had been erected in 1980 at the highest point in Elbert County? It's known as the Georgia Guidestones, sometimes also referred to as the 'American Stonehenge'.

What's so peculiar about these stones? A set of ten guidelines is inscribed on these stones in eight modern languages, with short messages on top of the structure in four ancient scripts: Babylonians, Greek. Sanskrit, and Egyptian hieroglyphs. The guidelines inscribed on these gigantic slabs are perceived to be initiatives for the New World Order that is to come. Listen to what it says:

1. Maintain humanity under 500 million*  in perpetual balance with nature.
2. Guide reproduction wisely—improving fitness and diversity.
3. Unite humanity with a living new language.
4. Rule passion, faith, tradition, and all things with tempered reason.
5. Protect people and nations with fair laws and just courts.
6. Let all nations rule internally, resolving external disputes in a world court.
7. Avoid petty laws and useless officials.
8. Balance personal rights with social duties.
9. Prize truth, beauty, love, seeking harmony with the infinite.
10. Be not a cancer on the earth. Leave room for nature. Leave room for nature.

Interestingly, the four outer stones are oriented to mark the limits of the 18.6 year lunar declination cycle. The center column features a hole drilled at an angle from one side to the other, through which can be seen the North Star. The same pillar has a slot carved through it which aligned with the Sun's solstices and equinoxes. The mystery surrounding this piece of monument and its true intention, however, is anybody's guess or speculation...

* This is a chilling mandate if put into practice. With the current population of the world at 7 billion, more than 90% of us will have to go!

Chapter 2 (Part 3a)

PERGAMOS

Ephesus had left its first love; Smyrna was severely persecuted. But both had held on to sound doctrine and kept false teachers at bay. Not so with Pergamos.

Pergamos was a major city about sixty miles north of Smyrna. It was a center for Roman emperor worship and Babylonian-Greek pagan mysteries. One of the seven wonders of the ancient world, the great altar of Zeus, was located there. It was also a center for intellectualism with its two hundred thousand volume library and a medical hub where the god of healing, Asclepius, was worshipped. The name Pergamos means 'mixed marriage'.

Verse 12

Little wonder then that Christ portrayed Himself as One having a sharp two-edged sword, which He intended to use to sever the unholy ties between truth and falsehood of the spiritual mixed marriage within the Pergamum church.

The Word of God is the sword of the Spirit, the truth with double edges, to teach us the truth of God and to expose the lies of Satan. To discern errors from truth, we only need to study and know the truth, very much like bank tellers require to study the real notes to detect all forms of counterfeit. Are we spending enough time on the Word of God?

Verse 13

Despite being in enemy territory (where Satan's seat is), the church at Pergamos still held on to Christ's Name and stood firm in their faith, even in those days when one of their own by the name Antipas was martyred.

Who was Antipas? Opinions varied because this is the only place his name is mentioned. From historical records, he seemed to be a bishop of the church there. Anti-pas means 'against or in place of father'. In ancient culture and perhaps even today, religious leaders and priests are known to assume the title of 'father' to their followers. Satan, desiring to usurp the place of God the Father, insidiously incorporated this practice in the religions he created and inspired.

And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven. (Matthew 23:9)

Perhaps in following Jesus' words, Antipas set himself against the religious system of his days, and inadvertently against the mastermind, Satan himself, thereby paying the ultimate price for being faithful to Christ.

There is a story that when some friends persuaded Antipas to compromise his stand, warning him thus, "Antipas, don't you know that the whole world is against you?" to which he replied  "Then I am against the whole world!"

Are we willing to stand up for the Lord and be counted as His faithful witness? The Greek for 'witness' is martus from which we get the English word 'martyr'.

Verse 14-16

The church at Pergamos not only tolerated the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, they also allowed the teachings of Balaam into the church. Numbers 22-24 gives the background and Revelation 2:14 sums it all up: to cast a stumbling block before God's people—by engaging in paganistic religious practices—eating things offered to idols and committing fornication.

Today there are many churches who practice the principles of Balaam by using worldly ways and methods to do the Lord's work, hoping to increase church attendance and boost church income through secularly successful means. To them the end justifies the means. This is akin to spiritual idolatry (trusting man's abilities rather than God) and committing fornication (integrating worldly wisdom with the gifts of the Spirit). We ought to pray for our pastors and leaders that they will lead the church to bring the gospel into the world, and not bring the world into the church.

You unfaithful people! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore befriends the world becomes God's enemy! (James 4:4)

To prevent the doctrine of the Nicolaitans from infecting the church, we need servant-leaders who serve with humility and godly fear, not savvy leaders who impress and wow with their abilities and personal flairs. Get this right—the church's first priority is to evangelize, not entertain. Consumerism has no place in the church, only consecration. Christ issued a stern warning: Don't mess with His Church, or He'll cut His enemies in pieces with His double-edged sword!

Verse 17

The one who overcomes will be given free access to eat of the hidden manna, and a white stone with a new name.

When Rome realized it could not conquer the Church through persecutions and death, it changed tactics and offered them power and wealth in exchange for civil support and recognition as the Church's chief patron and protector. Many pagans saw the benefits of becoming a Christian and switched sides as the once despised young religion gained imperial status. But it's all superficial and a political scam.

True Christians, however, saw through the ploy and refused to play along. As a result, they were isolated and ostracized as fanatics and extremists. But God continued to feed them with His Word and guide them with His light through the engulfing spiritual wasteland, just as He fed the Israelites with manna for 40 years and guided them with the pillar of His presence in the desert wilderness. During the end times, believers who refuse to compromise their faith but remain faithful to God can expect the same treatment from the world, yet be assured of the same privilege and protection by God.

What is the white stone with a new name written on it that no one knows except the one who receives it? The white stone represents purity and testifies to the innocence of those who put their trust in the Lord. A name reflects the character of a person. Just as God changed the name of Abram to Abraham and Jacob to Israel after they passed the tests of their faith, so too those who overcome the trials of faith shall receive a new name that solely belong to them.

What is the quality of our faith? Remember: faith feeds on the Word of God—so start spending time, real quality time, to read the Bible instead of letting it collect dust and cobwebs on the bookshelf!

Chapter 2 (Part 2)

SMYRNA

Smyrna, present day Ismir, was located about thirty-five miles north of Ephesus. Famous for its harbors, commerce and busy marketplaces, it was a major trade hub of the Aegean Sea region. Polycarp, a disciple of John, was a bishop there until his martyrdom in AD 155. The name Smyrna has the meaning 'bitterness' or 'myrrh', a precious ointment associated with death. Church history testifies to the intense persecution and martyrdom it endured at the hands of imperial Rome.

Verse 8

Christ portrayed Himself as the first and the last, the One who was dead and yet lives. This last description is very important to the church at Smyrna because it was a church under duress and persecution to the point of death. It was also one of two churches among the seven which received no rebuke from the Lord.

Today, there are countries that are still hostile to the Christian faith. Living in these places, to believe in Christ means not only severance from family ties and becoming an outcast of the community, but also the possibility of imprisonment and death. For these Christians, to follow Christ is to literally take up the cross—dying to the world and self.

Verse 9

If there is anything a persecuted Christian can take comfort in, it's the knowledge that the Lord knows the suffering His people is going through. For many believers living in countries with religious freedom, coming to Christ cost us little, if any. That could be the reason why we don't take our faith seriously, and neither does the devil.

But the moment we begin to heed our calling seriously, we can expect trials to come our way, even from unexpected people—professing Christians (those who say they're believers but are not) who felt uneasy or even threatened by our love and zeal for the Lord, unsettled by their own lukewarm status quo in stark contrast. In fact, these will do their utmost to discourage and douse the fire of God in us, effectively becoming the devil's accomplices, the synagogue of Satan—at least that's how Christ views them!

The sad truth is in Christendom today, there are many who believe they can serve God and Mammon at the same time. It's like the Chinese saying: To step two boats with one leg, which is impossible of course. These look with disdain and ridicule those who give up their worldly ambitions for Christ, thinking they're either foolish or out of their mind. Yes, they are fools for Christ's sake, and to these Jesus says, "I know your poverty, but you are rich!" Take heed that we do not end up like the rich fool in Jesus' parable (Luke 12:21).

End-time puzzle piece to ponder:

Are you aware that the current world economic system is run and controlled by a few powerful bankers who claimed to be Jews or give the impression that they are? Ever heard of the Rothschild family, the Rockefellers, JP Morgan, etc.? It is likely that these people with their unimaginably vast wealth and influences will play pivotal roles in the emerging New World Order under its leader, the Antichrist.

Verse 10

Christ's words of encouragement to them: Fear none of these things. But can we? Of course we can't—if we still love and hold on to self. Self-preservation will instinctively kick in and we will quickly give up our faith in order to survive. We can willingly lay down our lives for Christ at the crucial moment when we have learned to do so on a daily basis in surrendering to His will. No shortcut. No miracle formula.

Ten days. What could it be? It could mean that God will cut short the tribulation period for the elect's sake (Mark 13:20). Historically, it pointed to a period in which the Church suffered great persecutions under ten of the Roman Caesars, from the reigns of Nero to Diocletian. No matter what it may be, Christ's command is that we remain faithful unto death and He will reward us with a crown of life.

This is a faithful saying: If we died with him, we shall also live with him. If we endure trials for his sake, we shall also reign with him. If we deny him, he will also deny us. (2 Timothy 2:11-12)

It cannot be any clearer than that as oppose to a life of ease and plenty purported by adherents of the prosperity gospel.

Verse 11

The one who overcomes will not be hurt by the second death. The first death is a physical one while the second is spiritual—eternal separation from God, the Source of life. True Christians experience two births and one death (unless the Lord returns prior to that); unbelievers, on the other hand, experience only one birth but two deaths.

Do we have the new birth, the indestructible life that no amount of earthly trials and persecutions, nor even death, can destroy?

 

Chapter 2 (Part 1)

EPHESUS

Ephesus was the premier city and capital of Asia Minor, a major seaport and gateway of the region, and home to the Athenians and Artemis, the temple of Diana, where an immoral form of deity worship mixed with religious prostitution was practiced in honor and patronage to the fertility goddess.

The name Ephesus connotes the meaning of 'desirable' or 'the desired one'. Paul visited the city on his second missionary journey and spent over three years ministering there on his third. John became an elder of the church many years later. Paul warned the church in his parting words:

For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. (Acts 20:29-30)

Soon after the passing of the apostles and the first generation disciples, the Ephesian church faced its first crucial challenge of deceivers and false brethren, from outside and within its own ranks.

Verse 1

The One who holds the seven stars in His right hand and walks among the candlesticks is certainly aware of the conditions of His churches—a most fitting description accorded Christ as He begin His assessments.

Verses 2-3

It is heartening that our Lord knows our works and labor for Him, as well as the hardship and trials endured in our service and defense of the faith and truth. This should encourage us to be faithful and to renew our zeal in being about our Lord's business, just as He did His Father's (Luke 2:49).

Verses 4-5

Ever wonder what that first love is that Christ is referring? Is it love for Him, love for our fellow believers, or love for the lost? Yes, it's all of these.

Remember when we first received Jesus into our hearts as our Savior? Oh what joy and peace to know that all our sins are forgiven, to have a relationship with God and to call Him 'Abba, Father!' How we hungered for the Word as new born babes, how we prayed with earnestness and childlike faith, how we fellowshipped in sincerity with our brothers and sisters in the Spirit, and how we eagerly shared our faith with friends and strangers the good news!

Where is the love now?

Like the apostolic church that had degenerated into a loveless church, we have allowed our hearts to be crowded with the things of this world, and exchanged our affection from Christ to self, from serving others to serving our own interests, and from pursuing lost souls to pursuing our dreams and ambitions…

Hear the warning of the Lord: "Repent, and do the first works, or else I will come quickly and remove your candlestick out of its place!" If we're not living a life of devoted love to our Lord, then we had better watch out, lest we find the light of our testimony and witness removed, and discover that we are no longer effective or serve any good to Him anymore. It's a stern warning—and Jesus meant what He said.

Verse 6

Much has been debated as to the identity of the Nicolaitans and their deeds. Some believe this group was a follower of Nicolas, one of the seven deacons elected by the early church. Besides Stephen, he was the only one whose background was noted (Acts 6:5). There is no doubt that the Ephesian Christians knew who they were, but for many of us living today, this term is shrouded in obscurity. It is derived from the word 'nikolaos', a combination of 'nikos' (to conquer or subdue) and 'laos' (the people, from which we get the word 'laity'). In effect, Jesus hates—and that's a very strong word—the works and behavior of those who lord over and make His people dependent on and look up to them instead of Him. Sounds familiar it's almost cultic, isn't it?

While the letter is addressed to the angel of the church (those whom Jesus put in charge as watchmen, overseers and under-shepherds), it applies to each and every individual members as well. It's so easy to point an accusing or judgmental finger at pastors, elders and leaders for their failures, but the Lord holds us equally responsible for putting them on a pedestal, not covering them with prayers, and not supporting the work of the gospel through personal involvement.

We do more good for the Church when we weep and fast over its failures, reflect and repent over our lack of compassion for the needy and weaker members among us, and shake off our non-committal attitude towards the cause of Christ. Instead, we choose to stand aloof and unconcerned, critical to the faults of others to the point of feeling self-righteous and spiritual, or else thinking that whatever happens to the Church is of no consequence to us.

Verse 7

The clarion call of the Spirit echoes through the letters to the seven churches—do we have ears to hear and the desire to do what the Lord says?

He who has my commandments and keeps them is the one who loves me. (John 14:21)

This is the trademark of the overcomers, and to them Jesus promises to let them eat of the Tree of Life in the paradise (garden of Eden) of God. Adam and his descendants forfeited their rights to that tree in their rebellion; the adopted sons, through the Second Adam, will have free access to it as a result of their obedience in faith.

Letters to the Seven Churches

The seven churches were historical churches in Asia Minor (present day Turkey) at the time Revelation was written. Though the letters were addressed to them, the messages are still applicable to churches and believers today. Some think that each of these churches represents a certain period of the church age, while others feel that the messages are meant for believers of all ages and therefore timeless. Doubtless, there will always be faithful martyrs and the remnants, for God will not leave Himself without a voice or witness in the world.

Each letter follows a pattern. First, a salutation to the church it is written for, then a description of Christ's characteristics that matches that particular church's need or problem, followed by commendation for their works, criticism for their failures, if any, an appeal to repent or admonition to heed, and finally a promise of blessing for those who overcome.

For an overview of each church's character and traits, I have reproduced part of my journal here for reference:

Most of these churches have shortcomings in spite of their strengths. But despite their flaws and faults, Christ still loves His Church. We too should uphold the church community God planted us in with our prayers and support through giving and serving, learning to live in the Father's house and not to be inactive, play church, or even church hop to find one that suit our tastes the way we do shopping or food scouting.

No church is perfect and neither are we. Instead of criticizing and nit-picking, we ought to be committed in exercising our spiritual gifts and contributing to its growth and vitality. We too will be commended or rebuked when the day comes for us all to stand before the Head of the Church.