What Would Jesus Say? (Revelation 2 and 3)
In Revelation, chapters 2 and 3, Jesus had something to say to seven churches in the Roman Empire. The churches were located in Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamos, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea. To the church in Ephesus, Jesus said, “I know your works, your labor, your patience, and that you cannot bear those who are evil. And you have tested those who say they are apostles and are not, and have found them liars; 3 and you have persevered and have patience, and have labored for My name’s sake and have not become weary. 4 Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love. 5 Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place—unless you repent." (Revelation 2:2-5, NKJV)To the church in Laodicea, Jesus said, “I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. 16 So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth." (Revelation 3;15-16, NKJV)
The question for us today is: What would Jesus say to us? I believe the Holy Spirit has been speaking but have we been listening? Have we paid attention? Haven't we lost our first love - that zeal, commitment, and love for God we once had? Remember how you could not wait to tell others about Jesus? Are you still doing that now or have you become a bench-warming member of your church who is only interested in his or her business? Once you were on fire for Jesus, now you are lukewarm - neither hot or cold? Are you winning souls today and making disciples?
Oh my brethren, our tepidity has become nauseating. We go through the motions, speak in tongues forgetting that hell will be filled with tongue-talking Christians. Why? Because, they spoke in tongues not for the love of Jesus but for their selfish gain - looking for a shortcut to prayer. Oh, Father, forgive us our sins! Please understand that I am not against speaking in tongues. The Bible says in 1 Corinthians 14: 39-40, "Therefore, brethren, desire earnestly to prophesy, and do not forbid to speak with tongues. 40 Let all things be done decently and in order." (NKJV). Yes, we are encouraged to speak in tongues but to do so in order, that is according to the Word of God. "...Let all things be done for edification. 27 If anyone speaks in a tongue, let there be two or at the most three, each in turn, and let one interpret. 28 But if there is no interpreter, let him keep silent in church, and let him speak to himself and to God." (1 Corinthians 14:26-28, NKJV). Of course, in your closet, you can pray as much as you want with or without interpretation.
What would Jesus say to us today? Jesus always focused on the spiritual welfare of the people (see the Beautitudes, Matthew Chapters 5 to 7). He fed the people when they were hungry after listening to His teaching which was about the Kingdom of God not about the system of this world. Today motivational speeches are prevalent in churches; worship has become entertainment; men are tempted in churches by scantily dressed women; the holiness of God is disregarded and the demonic idealogy of "once saved, always saved" propagated from pulpits. People are told to 'accept' Jesus as Lord and Saviour and that no matter what they do, they will still go to Heaven. Really? So what did Jesus die for? Did He die for People to live in sin? No way. The Bible says, "What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? 2 Certainly not! How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it?" (Romans 6:1-2, NKJV)
The members of the early Church continued in the apostles doctrine and fellowship. The apostles did not manufacture a new doctrine; they were followers/disciples of Jesus and they obeyed Him. The apostles taught the brethren what they had heard from Jesus - the unadulterated, infallible Word of God. They did not modify the Word of God; they did not add to or subtract from the Word of God.
"40 And with many other words he testified and exhorted them, saying, “Be saved from this perverse generation.” 41 Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them. 42 And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. 43 Then fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. 44 Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, 45 and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need. 46 So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved." (Acts 2:40-47, NKJV)
"40 And with many other words he testified and exhorted them, saying, “Be saved from this perverse generation.” 41 Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them. 42 And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. 43 Then fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. 44 Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, 45 and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need. 46 So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved." (Acts 2:40-47, NKJV)
In the light of the above, what should we do? Jesus said in Matthew 24:36-44,
"36 “But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only. 37 But as the days of Noah were, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. 38 For as in the days before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, 39 and did not know until the flood came and took them all away, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. 40 Then two men will be in the field: one will be taken and the other left. 41 Two women will be grinding at the mill: one will be taken and the other left. 42 Watch therefore, for you do not know what hour your Lord is coming. 43 But know this, that if the master of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched and not allowed his house to be broken into. 44 Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect." (NKJV)May God help us not to fall asleep but to be ready. Are you ready? May God strenghten you, give you grace as you humble yourself under His mighty hand, and give you victory over temptation and sin as you await the second coming of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour. Have a blessed day.
