Revelation 2:1-7 “To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: These are the words of him who holds the seven stars in his right hand and walks among the seven golden lampstands: 2 I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance. I know that you cannot tolerate wicked men, that you have tested those who claim to be apostles but are not, and have found them false. 3 You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary. 4 Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken your first love. 5  Remember the height from which you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first. If you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place. 6 But you have this in your favor: You hate the practices of the  Nicolaitans, which I also hate. 7 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.”
 
REMEMBER that all of Revelation is God’s message to seven churches named in chapter one. Within the entire message is our Lord’s particular encouragement, admonishment, rebuke and praise to both these seven churches and to his universal until he comes again.
    God’s first specific message is to Ephesus. Ephesus was also the site of a grand temple to the goddess Artemis – the one who Romans and Greeks believed gave life. As it is true today, many traditions and much idolatry blinded  people in Ephesus to the true Lord of Life. The Holy Spirit,  then, had formed this church in a strategic spot. Jesus’ “lampstand” shines brightest in sin’s darkest strongholds.
    The church had been a light to the nation. Jesus praised  their hard work and perseverance, staying strong through trials. The Lord commends them for their focus on pure living and right teaching. They have cleansed the church of false teachers who tried to infect the true gospel. This is the meaning, also, of “You hate the practices of the Nicolaitan s, which I also hate.” These were people who succumbed to sexual immorality and other ungodly ways of living, even as they claimed to worship Jesus.
    But then Jesus rebuked Ephesus. The church seems to have become too works focused, forgetting their highest purpose is to love the Lord God. He commands the church to repent and do the things you did at first – be faithful to the true gospel. If they do not, he will remove his light from Ephesus. A church without Jesus’ light is no church.
    Does this seem harsh? Then remember the Lord commands us to love him above all. A command is not an option. Jesus spoke his firm truth in John 15:10 “If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed  my Father’s commands and remain in his love. 11 I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. 12 My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.” Loving as Jesus loves is essential to be his church.
    Then Jesus gives a blessing of obedience: “To him who overcomes, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.” The Tree of Life image is  very important in Revelation. In Genesis 3, we read that God set a guard of cherubim at the Tree of Life in Eden, so sinful man would not taste of it and live forever. Jesus’ sacrifice has opened the way to the Tree of Life. Believe and obey Jesus. Receive life everlasting.
 
Prayer: Thank you, Jesus, for commanding us to love you above all.
 

Revelation 1:19-20 “Write, therefore, what you have seen, what is now and what will take place later. 20 The mystery of the seven stars that you saw in my right hand and of the seven golden lampstands is this: The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands are the seven churches.”
 
JESUS heavenly glory is evident. He is not to be rejected or minimized. Remember, he holds the keys to life everlasting and the keys to lock away Hell. That is why he says, “Write therefore.” The Maker of Heaven and earth has come to reveal himself and the future to his creation. (That’s why it’s called Revelation.) Therefore, listen to him. Therefore, we have no alternative but to share the message if we claim to be Jesus’ faithful disciples. Therefore, we must evangelize the truth.
    Jesus begins to reveal some details of the vision, so John can write it. “Mystery” in Scripture refers to what God has previously hidden is now to be revealed. The seven stars in his hand are the angels of the seven churches. “Angels” comes from the Greek angeloi, which means heavenly beings or earthly messengers. Because the letter is directed to the heads of seven churches, Jesus reveals the angels are the church leaders. They are to be gospel messengers to their church. Each leader is accountable to the Lord God as he represents Jesus.
    The seven lampstands are the seven churches. Recall the original lampstand in the first tabernacle (Exodus 27) was of seven lights. Six branches came from the center. A church is to be as a lampstand, lighting the world with Jesus’ oil of gladness. Hear God’s beautiful promise of the oil of gladness – restoration, peace, joy and love – for his church from Isaiah 61:3 and provide for those who grieve in Zion – to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor. This beautiful scripture holds an everlasting promise.
    Imagine your church and your own life pouring forth the oil of gladness into a lost and broken world. All around us are people who need Jesus. They need to behold his majesty, his glory and wonder. They must trust he is risen and alive. With absolute certainty, each Christian must know Jesus is at the Father’s right hand to come in glory and power one day. People must hold tight to Jesus’ promise from John 14:1 “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. 2 In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you.” Keep in mind John has written a gospel and other epistles to affirm Jesus’ ministry, God’s compassion and the Spirit’s resurrection power. Revelation is a message for now and for the future. Live in faith that Jesus has come. Rejoice that he is coming again. Be free to declare this great, eternal hope to the world.
 
Prayer: I pray I can be a faithful messenger for you, Jesus. Holy Spirit, empower and quicken my tongue for Christ. Amen. 

Revelation 1:17-18 When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. Then he placed his right hand on me and said: “Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last. 18 I am the Living One; I was dead, and behold I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades.”
 
JESUS announced his eternal “freedom mission” when he began his ministry in his hometown Nazareth: Luke 4:18 “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, 19 to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” The King of the Kingdom of God had come with the key of salvation to release a world shackled in sin and sickness.
    At one point, our church continually prayed for the release of a minister jailed in a country opposing Christ. His loved ones, church and each of us longed to possess the key to open his jail cell door. We prayed God would use a key in the Spirit’s power to release his suffering servant. The key to the cell door was a life link to free the prisoner. We praise God he set the prisoner free!
    A key is also a tool to protect, isn’t it? Keys lock away harmful substances such as chemicals or sharp tools. Keys help protect our valued possessions, too. Even more, a key is a symbol of authority. The home owner has the key to his house. A chief steward of a household often holds a key to the food storehouses and household valuables. The household functions under his authority. God chose his Son to steward his “house”. Isaiah 22:22 I will place on his (the Messiah’s) shoulder the key to the house of David; what he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open. Jesus also had the authority to give the keys’ power to the apostles in Matthew 16:19 I will give you the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in Heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in Heaven.” Jesus transferred some of Heaven’s authority to God’s anointed. They would possess the key to steward the church with the gospel of redemption to unlock imprisoned souls to salvation.
    Jesus is the Key Holder. He comes with the keys to death and Hades to release you to eternal freedom and protection under his authority. All who believe will know he, indeed, has the power to declare freedom for the captives: Matthew 28:18 “All authority in Heaven and on earth has been given to me.” he has come in that power. The Sovereign Lord is Heaven’s Chief Steward. He is the First and Last. He is all in all. He will act in his power to purify and protect your eternal home.
 
Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank you for unlocking my life from sin’s chains. You are the Chief Steward of my life. Amen.

Revelation 1:14-16 His head and hair were white like wool, as white as snow, and his eyes were like blazing fire. 15 His feet were like bronze glowing in a furnace, and his voice was like the sound of rushing waters. 16 In his right hand he held seven stars, and out of his mouth came a sharp double-edged sword. His face was like the sun shining in all its brilliance.
 
WE earlier asked the question, “Who is Jesus?” Here are some additional answers. John tells us he is one of wisdom, fire, heat, water, light and conquest. He is majestic and holy. Jesus is High Priest. We dare not minimize his power if we believe he is truly Lord and Savior. The white hair and blazing eyes are an image of wisdom, dignity and complete understanding. They also confirm the Son of Man image from Daniel 7 mentioned in the prior lesson: “As I looked, thrones were set in place, and the Ancient of Days took his seat. His clothing was as white as snow; the hair of his head was white like wool. His throne was flaming with fire, and its wheels were all ablaze. (Daniel 7:9). Jesus is one of Three Persons of the Trinity. God is affirming to the Jews and the new church that his prophecies of old are still moving forward to the great Day of the Lord. Jesus sees all in your heart. He possesses the knowledge to direct you to the full life of his salvation. He has come to teach  us the truth, so we are prepared for the Final Judgment of condemnation and salvation.
   Bronze is an image throughout the Bible of wealth and strength. “More bronze than could be weighed” (1 Chronicles 22:3) was gathered to build the first temple in Jerusalem. Bronze is solid, unyielding. Fire purifies and strengthens bronze. You can confidently stand on the firm foundation of faith in Jesus’ resurrection power. Matthew 16:18b “On this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.”
   His voice is as the rushing waters of a great waterfall. It is relentless and unyielding. Jesus’ voice powerfully and persistently commands, urges, encourages, confronts and comforts us. He is Living Water, who is the source of life through his spoken word, his sacrifice to the cross, his resurrection and his ascension.
   Jesus’ right hand, the hand of authority, holds the seven stars. God is the Creator who said: “Let there be lights in the expanse of the sky to separate the day from the night, and let them serve as signs to mark seasons and days and years, and let them be lights in the expanse of the sky to give light on the earth.” (Genesis 1:14-15) He has created his church, too, to illuminate our dark hearts.
   The seven stars symbolize the leaders of the seven churches. The churches are the Lord’s possession to shine the gospel’s light. His message will lead the church until he comes again.
   The double-edged sword in his mouth is a fearful picture, isn’t it? But this image should deeply assure us. The Word of God is the Sword of the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 6:17b the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.) What does the Word do? It convicts those who sin and separates the unbeliever from the believer. The Word of God destroys the Evil One’s deadly slings and arrows. The Holy Lord Jesus Christ is your wise, firm and true Savior. He is the Word made flesh. Celebrate his majesty. Know the comfort of his authority over his church and his power in you.
 
Prayer: Thank you, Jesus, that you are truly Lord of Heaven and earth. Amen.
 

Revelation 1:12-13 I turned around to see the voice that was speaking to me. And when I turned I saw seven golden lampstands, 13 and among the lampstands was someone “like a son of man,” dressed in a robe reaching down to his feet and with a golden sash around his chest.
 
THE trumpet-like voice demanded John’s attention. He turned to see seven golden lampstands. It is light, the first element of God’s creation (Genesis 1:3). The light comes from seven golden lampstand, representing the seven churches, the people of God. Amid the lampstands is Jesus, described as one like the Son of Man. Both the lampstands and “Son of Man” are images throughout Scripture of God’s holy presence with his people.
   The seven lampstands are first mentioned in Exodus 25.
From one lamp comes six branches, seven lights in all, to light the first tabernacle. The lampstands were in the tabernacle’s first room to light the way into the inner chamber where God dwelled. Light reveals God’s truth and power. Light restores, grows and protects.
   The prophet Zechariah also received a vision of a lampstand with a bowl at the top and seven lights on it. This vision was a prophecy of God’s promise to restore his Word and worship to
Jerusalem after the Jews had returned from the Babylon exile. It was also a prophecy of the Kingdom of God to come. Jesus, too, powerfully declares he is light. Be sure to understand he is stating he is the light of creation: John 8:12 “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.” John also wrote in John 1:4 In him was life, and that life was the light of men. 5 The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it. The lampstand points to God’s life fully creating his church and restoring souls to salvation.
   Every Jew, too, understood that “Son of Man” described one who came from the eternal God. Daniel 7:13 “In my vision at night I looked, and there before me was one like a son of man, coming with the clouds of Heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into his presence. 14 He was given authority, glory and sovereign power; all peoples, nations and men of every language worshiped him.” John affirms his message comes from Heaven, from the Savior, the Lord of the church.
   The Lord’s message to John, then, begins with a promise to his church throughout the ages. “When a church faces persecution, it should remember Christ’s deep love and compassion. When a church is wracked by internal strife and conflict, it should remember Christ’s concern for purity and his intolerance of sin. Jesus is sovereign over the church.” (from The Life Application Commentary) The Lord is light. He is Son of Man – authority from Heaven. He is eternal. Listen to him.
 
Prayer: We rejoice, Lord Jesus, that you are with us. We acknowledge your authority and faithfully trust in your light to guide us into your truth. Amen.
 

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.”
 
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 trumpet-like voice the Son of Man revealed a remarkable vision – a revelation – to John.
   The Bible speaks often of visions. They are God’s “Instant Message” system to his people. Many visions to the prophet Ezekiel (Some were “previews” of John’s visions.) directed the Lord’s words of judgment and restoration to the Jews before and during their exile in Babylon. In the early church, too, Acts 12 records a world-changing vision to Peter to instruct him 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 seven churches. 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 to guide us to righteousness in Jesus Christ.
   Our Lord, the bridegroom of the church, will warn and promise 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? 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 speak to you about a certain ministry as they see your faith. When you read the Bible, the Spirit may be pointing you to a particular work of God.
   Remember, as you confess Jesus as Savior, you are in the Spirit, and he is in you: 1 Corinthians 6:19 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.
   God’s voice is seldom a trumpet. Often he speaks with 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. 

Revelation 1:9  I, John, your brother and companion in the suffering and Kingdom and patient endurance that are ours in Jesus, was on the island of Patmos because of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus.
 
JESUS’ teaching to his disciples became very real for them: John 15:20 “Remember the words I spoke to you: ‘No servant is greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also.” Our Lord always warned – even promised – his faithful followers would suffer because of him.
   It is impossible to imagine the depth of opposition to the apostles’ preaching, “Jesus of Nazareth is the Messiah, risen from the dead and ascended to the right hand of God.” Many violently opposed the remarkable miracles of Jesus’ life: born of a virgin, risen and ascended. Acts records James, John’s brother, was executed and Stephen, one of the first deacons,, was stoned. Then listen to Jesus instruct Ananias regarding the apostle Paul’s conversion: Acts 9:16 “I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.” Cross-bearing is disciple-living.
   In verse 9, John summarized his own sufferings. Note he relates to the church three ways: companion in the suffering and Kingdom and patient endurance that are ours in Jesus! Think about this. When you consider being a church member, have you ever thought you related to all other church members as Kingdom citizens who suffered? And because of your sufferings, you all learned patient endurance to sustain your hope and faith? Millions of Christians throughout the world live with enduring suffering because of great opposition from families, communities and governments. Patient endurance is key to trusting God’s salvation is greater than all the world’s evil.
   What would happen if you told an unbeliever, “Truly believe in Jesus Christ as your eternal Savior. When you do. you will surely suffer for the Kingdom. And rejoice because you will learn patient endurance through the suffering. Are you ready?” Do you think anyone would accept your invitation? Do you?
    
Prayer: I pray, Lord, I love you enough to suffer for you. In your name I pray. Amen. 

Revelation 1:7-8 Look, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him; and all the peoples of the earth will mourn because of him. So shall it be! Amen. 8 “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.”
 
FOR the second time John has affirmed the message is from the eternal God. “Alpha” and “Omega” begin and end the Greek alphabet. God is now. He was in the past. He is in the future. God completes all. Jeremiah 51:19 He who is the Portion of Jacob is not like these, for he is the Maker of all things, including the tribe of his inheritance – the Lord Almighty is his name. The prophet Jeremiah and the apostle John affirmed God’s continuing presence, power and promise to mankind. God’s full portion to save the world through Jesus began when God personally made a promise to Abraham: Genesis 12:2 “I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. 3 I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.” Jacob, Abraham’s grandson, became Israel (Genesis 32:28). From Israel came God’s first-born people. The Lord God formed them in his power and promise to bring forth a personal Savior for all the world.
   As John wrote these words, God’s power, promise and personal presence through Jesus Christ had gone into the world to include the Gentiles. Out of Abraham, through Israel, from Jesus’ saving sacrifice and in the Spirit’s power, God’s Word is real to the world.
   Yet, many did not believe then, and many do not believe now. The Lord speaks to awaken even those who pierced him; and one day they will mourn because of him. These are the unbelievers – Jews and Gentiles – of the world who pierce the Lord with unbelief and disobedience. They negate the Lord’s power and fulfilled promises. When they see him coming on the clouds, they will not see a benevolent King, compassionately coming to draw all people on earth to him. Instead, they will mourn in fear that a Warrior King is coming to judge their denial. Guilt will pierce unbelieving hearts to mourn their eternal punishment. Too late, they will know Jesus is, was and will be.
   Yes, so shall it be. Amen. This is God’s promise of his power when he comes to be personally present with his people in the New Heaven and earth.
 

Revelation 1:5b-6 (Jesus Christ) who is the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood, 6 and has made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve his God and Father – to him be glory and power for ever and ever! Amen.
 
WHO is Jesus? There is no better reference than John’s stirring summary.
    Jesus is the faithful witness. He came from Heaven to truthfully speak the Father’s righteousness to his creation. His work witnessed to the Father’s love, justice and forgiveness. Recall Jesus said to the disciple Philip: John 14:7 “If you really knew me, you would know my Father as well…9 Don’t you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father.” We must in turn be faithful witnesses to our Lord.
    Jesus is the firstborn from the dead. This means he is the first resurrected in the Spirit’s power to live eternally with God. Fully man, he died as a man to be raised to life as the Son of God. He is our example to know with a sure hope our lives in Jesus’ name will resurrect in his power.
    Jesus is the ruler of the kings of the earth. There is no other name above the Lord Jesus. He is the King of kings, the Lord of Lords. John 18:36 Jesus said, “My Kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jews. But now my Kingdom is from another
place.”
    Jesus is love. He is the one who loves us and has freed us from our sins because God first loved us. Romans 5:8 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. And Jesus commands love. John 15:12 My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. 13 Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. Yes, Jesus is love who became man to demonstrate the depth of God’s love for us. He love us still, desiring we be with him.
    Jesus is redeemer. He transforms our lives. He has made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve his God and Father. Priests were chosen in God’s law to represent God’s holiness to his people. They were to intercede for the people’s sins and their needs. Priests praised God for his benevolent care over them. As we follow Christ, we become new people with those same priestly purposes. We obey God. We pray for people. We praise God with our worship. We testify of his joy in our lives. Jesus is glorified. He has returned to live in Heaven’s perfection. The Father has answered Jesus’ prayer in John 17:1 “Father, the time has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you...4 I have brought you glory on earth by completing the work you gave me to do. 5 And now, Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world began.” Because Jesus completed the Father’s work in the world, we can truly declare of Jesus, “To him be glory and power for ever and ever! Amen.” Yes, may we always personally know how to complete the sentence, “Jesus is...”

Revelation 1:4-5a John, to the seven churches in the province of Asia: Grace and peace to you from him who is, and who was, and who is to come, and from the seven spirits before his throne, 5a and from Jesus Christ.
 
THERE is a good, assuring reason New Testament epistles often begin with “Grace and peace.” “Grace” was the Greek greeting; “peace” was the Hebrew greeting. The early church took these two greetings and used them together as a way of declaring that God had given these gifts to his people of all nations. Two simple words convey a profound, eternal blessing.
    The language, too, of Revelation begins to be unveiled here. First, you will see the number seven is common throughout the epistle. Even here, seven is twice written. Seven is the number in Scripture that signifies completeness. The Triune God is directing John to write specific messages to seven churches. These are also an illustration that God’s words are for all the churches then and all that will be in the future. Church leaders would do well to often read the seven messages to the churches in Revelation. We should use Jesus’ praises, admonitions and rebukes to honestly answer, “Are we following the Lord?”
    Second, John wrote that the words come from three sources, including the “the seven spirits before the throne.” This is one way to define the Holy Spirit. He is complete in every way. As he is before the throne of God, he is God, one person in the Trinity. The letter also comes from the other two persons of the Trinity. The Father is defined as the eternal “who is, and who was, and who is to come.” Note the present tense “is” was written first. That means God is present now. God was present in eternity past. And God is present in the future.
    The letter is also from Jesus Christ. In summary, God has given a message to John. He commanded John to write letters to seven churches. God’s complete power and authority has spoken to his church on earth. The Trinity is the source of all truth: 1 John 2:27b But as his anointing teaches you about all things and as that anointing is real, not counterfeit – just as it has taught you, remain in him.
  Yes, know God has given you the truth. Nothing from God is false. Remain faithful to that truth.