[This is one in a series of devotional reflections prepared for Horley Baptist Church during February 2024]
As we start to write a sermon or a reflection the prayer must be “Lord, what is your message for your people today?” Without the Holy Spirit’s inspiration there be no reward for the tapping of the keys, no value in what is written, no blessing for those who hear or read the outcome.
Imagine how sad – even fearsome – the plight of those about whom God says “I have nothing to say to these people.” We long for a word of encouragement, even a word of rebuke is better than divine silence.
In the opening chapters of Revelation we can eavesdrop on Jesus speaking to seven churches. His words include both encouragement and rebuke, much like a ‘must try harder’ school report. Although those churches are named and have specific characteristics the messages have been recorded for our benefit. To a lesser or greater extent we can, perhaps unwillingly, identify with some of the situations described.
Most of those messages to the churches begin with a common theme: “I know your deeds”. Are you happy that Jesus Christ knows your deeds? He knows not only those things that we have done, or left undone, but also our motivations.
The first church addressed by name in Revelation is that at Ephesus. The church is commended for its perseverance, its hard work and its determination to tackle those who deviate from the truth. Yet, despite this positive assessment the church is criticised for having lost its initial love. Is this a reminder that we can do the right things but without true motivation?
The churches in Revelation represent a wide spectrum of faithfulness, from ardent loyalty through to procrastination and indifference. There are warnings about persecutions but also promises for those who are victorious. Each of the messages to the churches concludes with the same instruction:
He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. Revelation 2 v7 [BSB]
Are our ears open, not just to hear but also to listen? Can we sincerely echo the words of the young Samuel?
Speak, Lord, for thy servant is listening. 1 Samuel 3 v10 [NIVUK]
Some words from an earlier era of hymn writing come to mind:
Speak, Thy servant heareth,
be not silent, Lord;
Waits my soul upon Thee
for the quickening word.[1]
References:
[1] Emily May Crawford (1864-1927)
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Contributed by Steve Humphreys; © the Author
