Revelation 2:12. These things saith he which hath the sharp sword with two edges;
A merry Friday morning mih people! The sun’s shining brightly, the birds are singing sweetly, a cool, gentle breeze is blowing o’er the land, and Jesus is on His throne on High! Wow! That means everything’s right with the world! At least in our Jesus-filled hearts, souls and minds, for that’s what He does when we become His sincere followers and His Holy Spirit enters us, heals and seals us, once and for all, as a child of Almighty God! Glory be my faithful brethren!
Now, yesterday we were looking at Christ’s message to the churches in Asia Minor through the vision of John the apostle during his exile on the isle of Patmos. We talked about the messages to the churches at Ephesus and Smyrna, today we’ll look at the message to one more church, that at Pergamos, which said: ‘These things saith he which hath the sharp sword with two edges;’ (Rev. 2:12)
And the scholars say of that verse: ‘Pergamos, or Pergamum, was located about 50 miles north of Smyrna. The name may mean “Thoroughly Married,” and may represent the state church which is “married” to a political system. The reference to the sharp sword shows that Christ will judge the false teachers at Pergamos.’
Then Christ continues: ‘I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, even where Satan’s seat (throne) is: and thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth.” (Rev. 2:13)
And according to the scholars: ‘Satan’s seat or throne may be a reference to the religious paganism centred in Pergamos. The city had a throne-like altar to the god Zeus, a temple to Asklepios (symbolized by a serpent), and various temples dedicated to the worship of the Roman emperor. Christ here commends the church at Pergamos for remaining faithful in the midst of such Satanic influence.’
However, Christ wasn’t done with Pergamos: ‘But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balak to cast a stumbling block (put an enticement to sin) before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols, and to commit fornication (sexual immorality). So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate. Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth.’ (Rev. 2:14-16)
Serious words from our Lord and Saviour my brethren! And the scholars have this to say about verses 14-16. ‘The doctrine of Balaam was a compromise of Christianity with paganism, resulting in idolatry and immorality. Balaam had once succeeded in leading many Israelites into these sins (cf. Num. 31:16; 2 Pet. 2:15; Jude 11). The entire church is urged to repent of the toleration and sins of those false teachers, before Christ has to judge them Himself. The church should discipline itself and not tolerate false teaching and immorality within.’
Now if Christ said that to the church at Pergamos back then, what do you think He is saying to the current church which is laden with false teachers and sexual immorality that’s tolerated by the leaders, or worse yet, have leaders engaged in those ungodly acts? Oh friends, we all know that the current state of Christ’s church is far from satisfactory, and we are not doing enough to correct the iniquity and corruption that’s buried within it. But please listen to what Jesus says after every message to a church: ‘He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.’
It’s a straight up warning, and to each church He promises something different if they repent and/or stand strong. Yesterday we saw what He promised to the churches at Ephesus and Smyrna. Now, to the church at Pergamos, He promised: ‘To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth, saving (except) he that receiveth it.’ (Rev. 2:17)
And the scholars explain that verse thus: ‘Manna in the Old Testament represents sustenance and life (cf. John 6:48-51). Christ is sufficient for all the believer’s needs. The white stone with its new name symbolizes acceptance and approval by God.’ Now who doesn’t want to receive God’s acceptance and approval eh?
Well some foolish people don’t, but those of us, blessed with even a smattering of common sense and a touch of wisdom, will undoubtedly want to please God and receive His acceptance and approval. and the first stage in doing that is approaching Him in sincere prayer, laying down all our doubts, fears and problems before Him. And there’s no time like the present, that’s right now, to do it. So let’s come before Him and express our Friday Chant.
As one sincere voice: ‘Oh Lord, thanks for getting me safely through this past week. You know it’s been rough… what with all the anxiety, the confusion and havoc that the Covid-19 virus and the racial strife is causing. We can’t seem to fix it on our own Lord, that means we desperately need your help.
Oh heavenly Father, with your omnipotent help, and our trusting faith, we know that we can stand strong and steadfast and defeat both the virus and the unrest in our streets. So Lord, we sincerely ask you today to give the governments and those involved in the forefront of this serious and unexpected storm, the wise guidance to handle the situation properly, with the least amount of loss to life and property as possible. And please help those of us who must go out to work amidst all the confusion, to be responsible and to stay safe, and avoid any more serious setbacks.
And Lord, we fervently pray that You’ll use this situation to bring a lot of backsliders back to your fold, show them the error of their ways. And please introduce a whole new flock, who will embrace your LOVE and compassion by the example, we, your faithful believers set. Yes Lord, please use this pandemic and the unrest in the streets as a means of restoring faith in You, so that our sinful world can wake up and smell the coffee, sweet and strong! We pray this in the name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ! Amen!’
And to receive a positive response from the Lord, we now have to show ourselves to be truly faithful believers. That’s all there is to it friends! Much LOVE!
…you can’t waiver…or sit on the fence…and expect God’s blessing…
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