Begin with 2 minutes of stillness and silence before God.

Chapter 2 opens with four of the seven messages Jesus instructed John to send the churches in Asia Minor: Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, and Thyatira. Keep in mind that these messages would have been written about 60 years after Jesus walked the earth. While they were written for specific churches then, they contain timeless wisdom for us today —2000 years later. This chapter serves as a spiritual mirror for believers individually and collectively. Let’s see what God might reveal as we read each message together.

The Church at Ephesus (v 1-7)

Jesus opens with praise for guarding the teachings of Jesus. They did not tolerate false doctrine. He commended their hard work and perseverance to see the Gospel spread. But Jesus pronounced a stinging indictment (v 4). These guys knew the truth, they were doing GOOD things FOR Jesus, and still, Jesus says they’d abandoned the love they had at first. Had the truth become words on a page and their works obligation more than delight? Had they confused religion and relationship; doing for and being with God? I find it interesting that in the opening of His message, Jesus refers to His authority and supremacy —perhaps this was a nod to the reality that He doesn’t need our working on His behalf. He invites us to be a part of the work He is already doing in the world —out of the overflow of our BEING with Him, first.

The Church in Smyrna (v 8-11)

Jesus understood the immense persecution faced by these particular believers. They were utterly destitute because of their faith. They were surrounded by those who would slander them, attempting to harm their reputation and discredit both Christ and Christians. Jesus calls out their persecutors, naming them a synagogue of Satan, but He does not rebuke believers in Smyrna. He empathizes, defends, encourages, and reminds them who He is. Jesus commends them, stating that while they endure extreme poverty they are rich in spiritual things. He encourages them not to be afraid of what lies ahead. Jesus implores them to remain faithful and comforts them with the promise of life eternal. He is kind to remind them that while persecution and anguish surround them, He is the first and last, was dead and is now alive and so they can live and die without fear.

I remember a book I read about Brother Yun, a Follower of Jesus and house church pastor who lived through immense persecution in China (The Heavenly Man). Once, when told by Western Christians they were earnestly praying that persecution might end in China, Brother Yun said, “Oh no, don’t pray that! Because then we’d become complacent like the Western Church. Pray instead that we can bear up under it in a way that honors our Lord, Jesus.” Wow. I think he understood Jesus’ message to Smyrna. We can learn so much from the faith and perseverance of believers who’ve endured suffering and persecution for the sake of the Gospel.

The Church in Pergamum (v 12-17)

Jesus opens this message by identifying Himself as the One with the double-edged sword. (Yikes!) He adds that He knows where they live and sheds light on the culture of their time by calling it the place where Satan’s throne is. He says despite the depravity all around them, however, some remain faithful; not denying the name of Jesus or losing the faith in the face of persecution and trials. Yet, Jesus rebukes them for allowing others in their midst to live a double life — some of them holding on to pagan beliefs and rituals. Jesus reprimanded them ALL for allowing compromise and urged them to repent. To walk in truth is to walk in love and those faithful to the truth failed to lovingly hold accountable those who’d strayed.

The Church in Thyatira (v 18-29)

These believers had persevered through many trials and maintained faithfulness to God and love for one another. Jesus commended them for this. Similar to Pergamum, however, Jesus rebuked them for allowing false teaching within the church and for tolerating the immorality that accompanied it. In this message, Jesus refers to Himself as the One whose eyes are fiery flame and whose feet are fine bronze. This imagery brings to mind a refiner’s fire, an analogy we see throughout scripture —often compared to the process by which God sees and draws out sin to purify the heart. He was calling Thyatira to confront sin and repent. We must not tolerate sin in our own lives and we cannot abandon the responsibility of accountability to one another in the church.

Take two minutes to reflect in silence.

Reflection:

• After reading these messages, what message might He have for you? Do any of the first four messages we’ve studied resonate more deeply than others? What might God be unveiling to you through this chapter? How can you respond?
• What message might He have for Venture Church? What part do you play in the message we might receive? What might God be unveiling to us as a Church at this time in the life of our church?
• Prayer: God, we thank You for Your word. You say that it is a blessing —favor and protection—for those who read and obey what it says. Help us to find You always in Your Word and centering our lives around Your character and principles, help us to see ourselves clearly as You see us. Reveal to us how You would have us respond as You reveal Yourself to us in Your Word.

Family Devo: Revelation 2

By: Jana Whittington

Today, we're going to talk about Revelation 2. It's a letter that Jesus wrote to seven different churches. We'll focus on what He said to one of them. Jesus' message in Revelation 2 helps us learn important lessons about our faith and how to stay strong in it.

In Revelation 2 verses 1-7, Jesus is speaking to the church in Ephesus. He praised them for many good things they were doing, like working hard and not tolerating evil. But Jesus also had a concern. He said they had lost their first love for Him, which means they were doing the right things but not with the same love and excitement they once had. It's a reminder that we should always love and follow Jesus with all our hearts.

Sometimes, just like the people in Ephesus, we might get busy with school, friends, and other activities. We can forget to spend time with Jesus and love Him as much as we should. But the good news is that Jesus gives us a solution. He encourages the people in Ephesus to remember their first love for Him and to turn back to Him. Remember, Jesus wants us to stay strong in our faith and continue loving Him with all our hearts. Just like He cared for the church in Ephesus, He cares for us too. So, let's keep our love for Him burning bright and share His love with the world around us.

Prayer: Dear Jesus, thank You for loving us so much. Help us to remember our first love for You and to keep it alive every day. We want to follow You with all our hearts and show Your love to others. In Jesus’ name, Amen.