If the Church of Laodicea can be compared to the final stage of Church History, then lukewarmness is its trademark. “I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue [vomit] thee out of My mouth” (Revelation 3:15-16 KJV). In spite of Laodicea’s lukewarmness, Christ gives her an invitation, the final call to repentance before He unfolds tribulation upon the earth. “Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear My voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with Me” (3:20). We have been comfortable in the world, rationalizing Christ can benefit from our riches, but blinded by self-interest, we have not seen the glories of the Invisible Christ in the Unseen Realm. O LORD, awaken Your people! May we acknowledge Your displeasure because of the slowness of our heart in believing You. Be merciful to us and cause us to make an impression on those left behind. Even so, come quickly, Lord Jesus. Amen and amen.
Church History
Set Before Thee An Open Door (Revelation 3:8)
If we could compare the Church of Philadelphia to the stage of Church History subsequent to the Reformation, possibly touching the times even of recent, then we can see a missions minded, evangelistic church, striving to be revived. “I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept My word, and hast not denied My name” (Revelation 3:8 KJV). Philadelphia and Smyrna are the only two churches of the seven, who are not reprimanded. O LORD, may we be counted among that number! In Jesus’ name, amen.
Be Watchful and Strengthen (Revelation 3:1)
If the Church of Sardis could be compared to the stage of Church History known as the 16th century Protestant Reformation, which ended the Middle Ages, then Christ reproves even those Reformers. “I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead. Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God” (Revelation 3:1-2 KJV). Sardis must repent of dead orthodoxy to be truly alive. “O LORD, revive Thy work in the midst of the years, in the midst of the years make known; in wrath remember mercy” (Habakkuk 3:2 KJV). Amen.
That Woman Jezebel (Revelation 2:18)
Thyatira embodies collaboration with the enemy, since Jezebel cooperated in teaching the Church to worship false gods dressed as idols. If the Church of Thyatira (Revelation 2:18-29) represents the center and bulk of Church History, then only one, universal church could be intended, which would correspond to “Mystery, Babylon the Great, the Mother of Harlots” (Revelation 17:5 KJV), who sits upon “Seven Hills” (17:9 NIV). Christ condemns our ecumenism, if it allows us to embrace spiritual adultery, whose sacerdotal practices pay homage to idols. “Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols” (Revelation 2:20 KJV). Since Jezebel now controls Thyatira, it is more appropriate to “come out from among them” (2Corinthians 6:17) and be separate from Thyatira’s adulterous practices. LORD, for those still practicing Jezebel’s ways, open their eyes and show them they are sleeping with the real enemy of their soul! Turn them from such shameful conduct. In Jesus’ name, we ask it. Amen.
Where Satan Dwelleth (Revelation 2:12)
Pergamos was a church, who compromised her holiness to get along in the world. If the Church of Pergamos (Revelation 2:12-17) was also representative of Church History following Constantine’s embracing of the Cross by which he would conquer (312 AD), then the Church was losing its focus on Christ and was becoming confused about its supernatural enemy. Whenever we see only the earthly circumstance and don’t realize it is Spiritual Warfare on the highest level, we are underestimating the enemy. “Thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication” (Revelation 2:13-14 KJV). Again, the Seven Churches of Revelation 2-3 representing seven stages of Church History from beginning to end is figurative and speculative, but we interpret Bible Prophecy as literal as we can, until we can’t. Balaam taught that Israel should be seduced to intermarry with the surrounding heathen, bringing them idolatry and looser sexual morals. Only God’s Spirit working in us can prevent, preserve, and cure iniquity in the Church (John 16:9). “He will turn again, He will have compassion upon us; He will subdue our iniquities; and Thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea” (Micah 7:19). This is only one aspect of the Gift of the Spirit (Acts 2:38). LORD, preserve us by Your Spirit from the same sins, which plagued Pergamos. May we learn from their past mistakes. May we put more confidence in Your Spirit’s sin preventing power than confidence in ourselves. May we resist sin in our flesh and the sin which does so easily beset us, but trust Your Spirit to not let us give in to the temptation. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Tribulation Ten Days (Revelation 2:8)
If the Church of Smyrna (Revelation 2:8-11) was also representative of early Church History immediately after the Apostolic age, then suffering purified Christ’s Church. “Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life” (Revelation 2:10 KJV). Possibly the Lord giving a specific number of days for Smyrna’s suffering indicates a limit to their suffering, which would give hope. And, just as our Lord “learned obedience by the things which He suffered” (Hebrews 5:8), Smyrna was accounted worthy to also suffer shame for His name. LORD, make us to be worthy as Smyrna, and to fear You more than the limited suffering that purifies us. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Left Thy First Love (Revelation 2:4)
If the Church of Ephesus (Revelation 2:1-7) was representative of the apostolic beginning of the early church, then the honeymoon was over. Jesus wrote to them, “Thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent” (Revelation 2:4-5 KJV). Tough love. Repent and return to Me. Otherwise, Spiritual Annihilation. Whoa! Sounds a bit harsh! God comforts the obedient heart, but purposely agitates us when we find greater comfort in our traditions than Him. LORD, we know that You are not a respecter of persons, if You would speak this way to Ephesus. Surely, they are better than us? Take away our hard heartedness and give us an heart of flesh. Take the spiritual scales from our eyes that we may see Jesus as He is. Teach us to defend You and not our traditions. In Jesus’ name, amen.
We Need A Miracle 