JUN 23

Revelation 1:11-20
Memorise Rev 1:18
“Fear not; I am the first and the last”

WHAT ARE THE 7 CHURCHES OF REVELATION?

In Revelation 2-3, we read of 7 letters written to seven different churches in seven different cities scattered throughout Asia (modern day Turkey). These cities are also listed in Revelation 1:11, and they are namely Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamos, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia and Laodicea. These were real historical cities with churches that the Lord was addressing directly. They were epistles that came directly from the Lord to them, both commending them for the ways in which they had done well, and rebuking them for the sins that they were involved in.

In Revelation 1, the vision that John received was that of the Lord Jesus Christ, pictured as great, powerful and fearsome, walking through the midst of the 7 churches with his feet like fine brass burning in a furnace. At the same time, the Lord was also pure, holy and wise, with eyes that discern all things, and wield complete authority and jurisdiction over all the churches.

The churches are depicted as seven candlesticks (Revelation 1:20), as lights that ought to be shining for the Lord, burning brightly as a testimony for Him. The Lord thus asked John to pen down the messages that He has for these churches, bringing us the messages that He has for him.

In studying the letters to the seven churches in Revelation 2-3, we can see both positive and negative examples. We can use them as case studies, to examine our own churches and our own conducts in the light of what they have done, to see if we too are guilty of the same sins that they were accused of, and to see how we can emulate the ways in which they pleased the Lord. Through these 7 short letters, we can also come to a better idea of what Christ expects of His church, and what promises He has for those who overcome, and are able to do things in accordance to His holy will.

Thought: If the Lord were to write a letter to us today, what would He say about our church?
Prayer: Lord, help us to remember our calling to be lights shining for Thee in this dark world.