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‘Hear what the Spirit says’: Revelation 2 (Day 151)

Our daily reflections follow the M'Cheyne Bible reading plan, designed for those who want to read the whole Bible in one year. Each reflection focuses on one of the chapters from that day's readings. Darllenwch rhain yn Gymraeg.

Pray

Pray

Lord, prepare me to receive your word. Clear my mind and warm my heart. Assure me of your loving purposes for me, and speak into my life today.

Reflect

Daily reflection: Revelation 2

The letters in Revelation 2–3 display Christ’s presence with his churches, his complete knowledge of their spiritual condition and his desire for their wholehearted commitment to him. Each church is addressed specifically but also told to ‘hear what the Spirit says to the churches’ plural (verses 7, 11, 17 and 29). There’s a universality to these messages; they’re just as relevant today.

It’s important that we don’t fall into the trap of reading them like school report cards, focused on our efforts and leaning towards a salvation by works mentality: ‘well done’, ‘keep going’ or ‘try harder’. From beginning to end, these letters are all about Christ – who he is, what he has done and the victory and eternal reward faithful believers have in him.

He is all-powerful and present everywhere (verse 1); the eternal, living God (verse 8); the one who searches our hearts according to God’s word, ‘the sharp two-edged sword’ (verse 12); he’s all-knowing with ‘eyes like a flame of fire’ and at the final judgement he will crush all rebellion beneath his feet (verse 18).

In him, ‘the one who conquers’ will have eternal life in God’s presence (verses 7 and 11); heavenly rewards, a new identity (verse 17); and reign with Christ (verse 26).

In light of all this, Christ’s commands to each church, to love God above all (verses 4–5), to be ‘faithful unto death’ (verse 10), to ‘repent’ (verses 5, 16 and 22) and ‘hold fast’ (verse 25) are the only appropriate responses. He is worthy!

Pray

Pray

Lord Jesus, open our ears to hear what your Spirit says about the condition of our hearts and help us to respond appropriately. Thank you Lord for the grace you pour out on us and the victory we have in you.


This reflection was written by Esther King, Digital Communications Officer at Bible Society

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