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.”
 
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.