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.
Key to the Book of Revelation 1:19
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.
Key to the Book of Revelation (Revelation 1:19)
In plain language, Jesus effectively outlined the threefold division of the Book of Revelation. “Write the things which thou hast seen [chapter 1], and the things which are [chapters 2 and 3], and the things which shall be hereafter [chapters 4 through 22]” (Revelation 1:19 KJV). In other words, we can see the entire Book of Revelation as: Jesus Christ the coming glorious king (1:1-20), messages to the seven churches (2:1-3:22), and the bulk of the book to the consummation (4:1-22:21). Prophecy is actually given, as much as it is, figuratively so we can grasp the Spirit’s message all the better. As we would with anyone’s words, take the Book of Revelation as literal as you can, until you can’t. LORD, help us not to attempt to understand Your Revelation of Jesus Christ without the teaching of Your Spirit, so You would get all the credit, when we understand it. In Jesus’ name, we pray it. Amen.
Jesus Christ the Almighty (Revelation 1:8)
Even Satan will allow Jesus to be another god, but never the Almighty. “I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty” (Revelation 1:8 KJV). The “revelation of Jesus Christ” (1:1) teaches us that Jesus is “the Almighty” (1:8). He reserves that designation for Himself. Blasphemy! Jesus reminded Philip, “Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known Me, Philip? he that hath seen Me hath seen the Father” (John 14:9). Gulp! You are in the Father, and the Father is in You? Yes, Philip, “or else believe Me for the very works’ sake” (John 14:11). LORD, open our eyes to whom You are. Make us to see Jesus the way You promised Your Spirit would reveal Him. Return quickly, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
We Need A Miracle 