Jesus Knows

Feb 4 – Jesus knows – Rev 2:9


Vs 9 – Jesus knows their afflictions.  Once again the church has suffered.  There would be several more persecutions.  The church as well like Ephesus had been persecuted.  This was not a rich church in the sense of physical wealth.  They had been stripped of everything materially.  Yet they were rich in that which really counts.  Love, peace, joy, endurance, faithfulness, obedience, truth, righteousness, wisdom  and self control.  
     They had been slander by the chosen people of God.  The Jews had persecuted them.  They had been accused and mocked.  Those who did this are called the followers of satan.  Jesus calls them the synagogue of satan.  They have a form of godliness but deny the power thereof.  When someone accuses, mock or slanders they are using satan’s attack schemes.  This also identifies them for who they are.  By their fruits you will know them.

Stability

Isaiah wrote in Is 40:18, The grass withers and the flowers fall,

but the word of our God endures forever. Now we know how life can change in a moment but it is also wonderful to know that you can trust God's word. So today moment by moment trust in the word of God to help you meet whatever life throws at you today. Things may change but its power and help is the same.

Church at Sm

Feb 3 – Church of Smyrna – Rev 2:8

Vs 8 -  This is the second church mentioned here.  Now one important thing to remember that all these churches were located in Asia Minor.  All at this time were established churches in actual physical locations.  Now some have equated each church to an age.  This is called dispensational teaching.  This is taught by many modern scholars.  Ephesus would have been the age of the apostles.  Thus if you subscribe to this thought is the age of the church fathers.  
     To the church of Smyrna and the messenger or angel.  To the leader of that church here is your message from the Lord.  This verse also reveals again a truth about the Jesus Christ.  He is the first and the last.  No one comes before or after Him.  He is number one.  All end and begin with Him.  He has always existed and will always exist.  He is God.  Jesus died but He rose from the dead.  The resurrection is the central proof of Christianity.  Without the resurrection you do not have the gospel.  This is who He is and what He has done.

Verse today

Standing on the promises

Solomon states in Prov 30:5, Every word of God is flawless;

he is a shield to those who take refuge in him. You can trust the word of God. It will keep you in all times. You can also stand upon the promises of God. So through out this day stand upon the word and live the life God wants you too.

Have fallen

Jan 31 – Have fallen – Rev 2:5

Vs  5 – The Lord asks them to consider and look how far they have fallen.  He is asking them to have a time of self examination.  This helps us to have a proper perspective of where we are.  Paul tells the church in Corinth to examine themselves.  Jesus was doing the same.  
     He then tells them to repent., to turn back and come back to their first place.  Return to their first love.  Go back to the beginning. They were a church known for their love.  This is what He is telling them to do.   Sometimes we have to do that to get our bearings again.  Do the things that made us powerful and effective first.  These would be prayer, the word, fellowship and evangelism.
     Now this net statement is frightening.  If they do not repent the Lord himself will come and remove their candlestick.  Now some believe this is the pastor but it probably means that the Lord will sever His ties with them.  They will cease as a church.  Their influence, effectiveness and representation for Christ will end.  This is a solemn warning, one that cannot be ignored.  No church is beyond judgment.
Feb 1 – Nicolaitans – Rev 2:6