Revelation 2 Devotional

Faithful Work, Forgotten Love

“Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison to test you, and you will suffer tribulation for ten days. Be faithful even unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.”Revelation 2:10 (BSB)

Each letter in Revelation 2 begins with the same claim from Jesus: he knows (2:2, 9, 13, 19). He knows the hard work of Ephesus. He knows the poverty and suffering of Smyrna, and he calls that poor church rich (2:9). He knows Pergamum lives where Satan's throne is, and he remembers Antipas, his faithful witness killed there (2:13). He knows that Thyatira's love and service are growing (2:19).

But his knowledge cuts both ways. Ephesus, for all its effort, has left the love it had at first (2:4). Pergamum and Thyatira tolerate teaching that draws people into idolatry and immorality (2:14, 20). Jesus speaks as the one who examines every mind and heart (2:23), and he calls them to repent. Even his warnings carry mercy; he gave even Jezebel time to repent (2:21). To Smyrna, which he does not rebuke, he says not to fear what is coming, and promises the crown of life to those faithful to death (2:10). You can be honest with him, because nothing about you surprises him.

To think about: Where has your work for God continued while your love for him has cooled?