July 17 In the Spirit

Revelation 1:10-11 On the Lord's Day I was in the Spirit, and I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet, 11 which said: “Write on a scroll what you see and send it to the seven churches: to Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia and Laodicea.”
 
WE have learned that John has been exiled to the island of Patmos. Those opposing the gospel thought they would silence the apostle; the Lord God, though, had other plans.
    Thus, on one particular Lord’s Day – Sunday as we know it – the Holy Spirit had prepared John to hear from the Lord Jesus. With a loud voice like a trumpet the Son of Man revealed a remarkable vision to John.
    The Bible speaks often of visions as God’s “Instant Message” system to his people. The prophet Ezekiel many visions directed the Lord’s words of judgment and restoration to the Jews during their exile in Babylon. In the early church, too, Acts 12 records a world-changing vision to Peter to begin ministering the gospel to Gentiles. Many Muslims today receive visions in the Spirit’s power to reveal the truth that Jesus is Lord. Indeed, no earthly authority can silence the Lord God.
    Jesus instructs this message to go to the seven churches listed here. The church names are given in the order of their location to each other. Ephesus will receive the letter first, and its delivery will be completed at Laodicea. Seven is the complete number. The letter is for all churches for all time. Our Lord, the bridegroom of the church, will warn his bride with great visions of destruction, suffering and triumph. The Lord will awaken the church to love and worship him. He will urge them to steadfastly confront Satan’s evil and to faithfully declare God’s victory. Our Lord God will promise his church of the final victory he has prepared for us.
    How is God communicating with you and your church? It may not be a vision – or it could be. Perhaps in the Spirit’s power, the Lord is speaking through a pastor who encourages you to use your gifts in a new way. Maybe some in your church often encourage you to a certain ministry as they see your faith. As you read the Bible, the Spirit may be pointing you to a particular understanding of God’s direction for you.
    Remember, as you confess Jesus as Savior, you are in the Spirit and he is in you: 1 Cor 6:19-20 Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; 20 you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body. In Christ, we are called to be alive in the Spirit each day.
    Listen for the Lord. Listen to the Lord. God’s voice is seldom a trumpet. Often it is a whisper, a quiet reminder or a gentle tug. When God’s people are in the Spirit, we will be united for God’s kingdom to come, his will to be done on earth as it is in heaven. (from Matthew 6:10)  
 
Prayer: Thank you, Lord Jesus, for continuing your ministry through the Holy Spirit. I pray I am in the Spirit each day to receive and live out the truth of your Word. Amen.