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.
Obey the Prophecy
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.
Happiness Promised From Revelation (Revelation 1:3)
Happiness is promised to those who read, hear, and obey the Book of Revelation, because its timing is now, at any moment. It must be understandable to be obeyed. “Blessed [Greek, makarios, blessed, happy] is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand” (Revelation 1:3 KJV). It cannot be simply historical, or it would have little, but allegorical value at best. Take Jesus at His word, and expect happiness to result from reading, hearing, and keeping the Book of Revelation. LORD, You are the source of our happiness. How could Your future plans not bring us happiness? Return quickly, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
We Need A Miracle 