Tag: Book of Revelation

Morning Prayer: 10 Sept – Revelation 3:14-22 ~ Laodicea: open the door

Morning Prayer

+ In the name of the Father and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen

Opening sentences

God, come to my assistance. Lord, make haste to help me.

One thing I have asked of the Lord, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life; to behold the beauty of the Lord and to seek Him in His temple.

Glory to the Father and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.

Revelation 3:14-22 (ESV) – to be read aloud

“And to the angel of the church in Laodicea write: ‘The words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of God’s creation.

Jesus knocking

“‘I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot! So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth. For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing, not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked. I counsel you to buy from me gold refined by fire, so that you may be rich, and white garments so that you may clothe yourself and the shame of your nakedness may not be seen, and salve to anoint your eyes, so that you may see.

“‘Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline, so be zealous and repent. Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.

“‘The one who conquers, I will grant him to sit with me on my throne, as I also conquered and sat down with my Father on his throne. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’”

Reflection

THE FIRST VISION – THE SEVEN LETTERS

To the church in Laodicea

Summary: The church in Laodicea posed a special problem. Their self-confidence had blinded them to the fact that they were “poor and naked.” Assurance that they had it all together had resulted in lukewarmness that made Christ want to spit them out of his mouth. They were counseled to buy from him spiritual wealth, the white robes of righteousness and clear vision into spiritual matters. He stands at the heart’s door of each believer and knocks, requesting permission to enter and share the blessings and joy of personal fellowship. Christ promises to each overcomer the privilege of sitting with him on his throne. (Mounce, p.106)

Christ: The titles of Christ… stress his faithfulness, his reliability and his trustworthiness. These stand in sharp contrast with the unfaithfulness of the Christians in Laodicea…. Christ is the “source and origin” of creation… for Christ is eternal. (Morris, p.81; Ladd, p.65)

The problem in Laodicea: Laodicea was on of the richest commercial centers in the world, so that we have here a picture of the church in an affluent society….. Their coolness was a denial of all that Christ stands for. (Morris, p.80, 82) Church members were simply indifferent, nominal, complacent…. However, the church is not entirely beyond hope of recovery. The strong language – spew you out of my mouth – is designed to rouse the church from her spiritual indifference. (Ladd, p.65)

The remedy in Christ: The deficiency – “poor, blind, and naked” – has a threefold remedy in Christ: (1) real spiritual wealth, (2) real spiritual sight, and (3) real spiritual honor (purity and sincerity). In spite of their sad plight, Christ does not love them any less than the others. His attitude toward the church was not punitive but disciplinary and corrective. (Ladd, p.67)

The call to repentance: A decisive (zealous) act of repentance is required in order to restore the Laodiceans relationship with Christ. Christ summons the members of a lifeless, complacent church to spiritual life. Even though the church is in a sad and deplorable state, Christ still stands at the door of the heart of each individual seeking admission…. Like any new convert, the Laodiceans must respond to the appeal of Christ and open the life to his coming. (Ladd, p.67)

The reward in Christ: The response of Christ to the opened door is that he enters and joins in table fellowship…. The shared meal was a symbol of affection, of confidence, of intimacy… it was a promise of the most intimate fellowship possible…. The promise of sitting with Christ on his throne… looks forward to the ultimate victory of the saints…. The important fact is that Christ is already enthroned. His messianic reign… has already begun, even though it is visible only to the eye of faith. (Ladd, p.68)

Here is a message for every church which faces persecution: the assurance that their evil plight is only temporary; that even though human experience may seem to contradict it, Christ is already enthroned as Lord and King; and that his kingly rule will soon put all his enemies under his feet…. The promise in each of the seven letters to the conqueror is addressed to all disciples of Christ, with the expectation that all faithful disciples will overcome. (Ladd, p.69)

Prayer

Risen and exalted Christ, our Lord and King – Come into our hearts today, renew us and remake us in Your image so that we are pleasing to You. Forgive us our complacency and self-satisfaction and create in us a holy unrest with our affluent, Western lifestyles. Thank you for not giving up on us.

Holy Spirit – Give us spiritual eyes to see our poverty… our nakedness… our blindness. Gently lead us into the Truth about our own condition and that of the world around us. Give us broken hearts – even the heart of Christ – for the broken lives, the broken people and the broken churches around us. Give us a spirit of grace and truth as we offer them hospitality and invite them to enter into a new relationship with You.

Heavenly Father – You made us to walk with You: to know You, to love You, to serve You. You are the Ruler of heaven and earth. Fill us with a proper sense of awe and wonder as we humble ourselves before You. We would be faithful and true to You – the one and only God – Father, Son and Spirit. Amen.
__________


__________

Canticle

Christ, as a light – illumine and guide me.
Christ, as a shield – overshadow me.
Christ under me; Christ over me; Christ beside me – on my left and my right.
This day be within and without me, lowly and meek, yet all-powerful.
Be in the heart of each to whom I speak; in the mouth of each who speaks unto me.
This day be within and without me, lowly and meek, yet all-powerful.
Christ as a light; Christ as a shield; Christ beside me – on my left and my right.

Blessing

May the peace of the Lord Christ go with you, wherever He may send you.
May He guide you through the wilderness, protect you through the storm.
May He bring you home rejoicing at the wonders He has shown you.
May He bring you home rejoicing once again into our doors.

+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen
_____________________________________

Peanut Gallery: In September, we will begin reading through the Book of Revelation (ESV). Our purpose will be devotional, i.e. to discover the word of blessing that God has for us in these troubled times… to find hope and help for our daily lives.

This will not be a Bible Study per se: we will not attempt to unravel the “mysteries” of Revelation… that is far beyond our abilities and is not our interest here. However, so as not to get too far afield, we will rely on three study resources: primary – A Commentary on the Revelation of John (George Elton Ladd); supplemental Revelation (Leon Morris) and  The Book of Revelation (Robert H. Mounce).

The general format for Morning Prayer is adapted from the Northumbrian Community‘s Daily Office, as found in Celtic Daily Prayer (see online resources here.) On Sundays, we’ll return to the USCCB readings (see online resources here) and various liturgical resources in order to reflect the Church’s worship and concerns throughout the world. Photo illustrations and music videos, available online, are included as they illustrate or illuminate the readings. I will try to give credit and link to sources as best I can.

Morning Prayer: 09 Sept – Revelation 3:7-13 ~ Philadelphia: “Hold fast…”

Morning Prayer

+ In the name of the Father and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen

Opening sentences

God, come to my assistance. Lord, make haste to help me.

One thing I have asked of the Lord, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life; to behold the beauty of the Lord and to seek Him in His temple.

Glory to the Father and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.

Revelation 3:7-13 (ESV) – to be read aloud

hes-coming_t_nv“And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: ‘The words of the holy one, the true one, who has the key of David, who opens and no one will shut, who shuts and no one opens.

“‘I know your works. Behold, I have set before you an open door, which no one is able to shut. I know that you have but little power, and yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name. Behold, I will make those of the synagogue of Satan who say that they are Jews and are not, but lie — behold, I will make them come and bow down before your feet, and they will learn that I have loved you. Because you have kept my word about patient endurance, I will keep you from the hour of trial that is coming on the whole world, to try those who dwell on the earth.

“‘I am coming soon. Hold fast what you have, so that no one may seize your crown. The one who conquers, I will make him a pillar in the temple of my God. Never shall he go out of it, and I will write on him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which comes down from my God out of heaven, and my own new name. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’

Reflection

THE FIRST VISION – THE SEVEN LETTERS

To the Church in Philadelphia

Summary: The letter to Philadelphia contains no note of disapproval or reproach. Although the believers may have been excommunicated from the local synagogue, Christ has placed before them an open door into the messianic Kingdom. They have remained faithful, and those who are not really Jews will be forced to come and acknowledge that God loves the Christian community. Because of their patient endurance God will keep them from the coming time of trial, and as overcomers they will take their place in the temple of God sealed with his name. (Mounce, p.98)

Christ: This description depicts the exalted Christ as one who is completely dedicated to God… recalling the covenant with Israel… which God has faithfully fulfilled with his church in Jesus Christ…. It is Christ alone and no longer Israel who can give men entrance into the messianic Kingdom…. To Christ has been given absolute and exclusive power to give entrance and to exclude from the Kingdom of God. This is, however, a privilege which Christ has shared with his church. (Ladd, p.58-59)

The church: The main problem faced by the church was from the Jews rather than the pagans…. The church was rather a weak one, possessing only a little power (small with very limited influence)… nevertheless she had remained faithful to her Lord…. Its character was such that the letter has only commendation from the Lord, not censure…. The church is promised sure entrance into the eschatological Kingdom of God. (Ladd, p.58-59)

The opposition: The Jews have surrendered their role as the people of God because they have rejected their Messiah. In their place, the church, largely gentile, has become the true Judaism, the new people of God. However, the Jews hate the church and were often the instruments of bringing persecution upon her. John looks forward to a day when this situation will be changed – when the Jews will acknowledge that the church is indeed the true people of God, and will learn that “I have loved you.” (Ladd, p.61)

The overcomers: To those who remain faithful to Christ and His Word – five promises – (1) protection and preservation in trial; (2) no delay in the return of Christ; (3) a victory crown; (4) permanence within the New Jerusalem; and (5) identity as belonging to God, citizens of the New Jerusalem, and related in a special way to Christ. (Mounce, p.103-105)

Prayer

Lord Jesus – You alone hold the keys to eternal life. Hear our prayers for Your church, especially those who appear small and insignificant:

+ that the church would keep God’s word and remain faithful, especially in the face of opposition…. Lord, hear us.
+ that the church would not deny Jesus’ name and character, remaining faithful until You return in glory…. Lord, hear us.
+ that our congregations would have such an influence in our communities that those who originally opposed us and our faith would come to faith in Christ…. Lord, hear us.
+ that Your people would proclaim Your Word full of grace and truth to all who will listen in these troubled times…. Lord, hear us.

We await Your imminent return with expectancy and hope and ask all this for Your Name’s sake. Amen.
__________


__________

Canticle

Christ, as a light – illumine and guide me.
Christ, as a shield – overshadow me.
Christ under me; Christ over me; Christ beside me – on my left and my right.
This day be within and without me, lowly and meek, yet all-powerful.
Be in the heart of each to whom I speak; in the mouth of each who speaks unto me.
This day be within and without me, lowly and meek, yet all-powerful.
Christ as a light; Christ as a shield; Christ beside me – on my left and my right.

Blessing

May the peace of the Lord Christ go with you, wherever He may send you.
May He guide you through the wilderness, protect you through the storm.
May He bring you home rejoicing at the wonders He has shown you.
May He bring you home rejoicing once again into our doors.

+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen
_____________________________________

Peanut Gallery: In September, we will begin reading through the Book of Revelation (ESV). Our purpose will be devotional, i.e. to discover the word of blessing that God has for us in these troubled times… to find hope and help for our daily lives.

This will not be a Bible Study per se: we will not attempt to unravel the “mysteries” of Revelation… that is far beyond our abilities and is not our interest here. However, so as not to get too far afield, we will rely on three study resources: primary – A Commentary on the Revelation of John (George Elton Ladd); supplemental Revelation (Leon Morris) and  The Book of Revelation (Robert H. Mounce).

The general format for Morning Prayer is adapted from the Northumbrian Community‘s Daily Office, as found in Celtic Daily Prayer (see online resources here.) On Sundays, we’ll return to the USCCB readings (see online resources here) and various liturgical resources in order to reflect the Church’s worship and concerns throughout the world. Photo illustrations and music videos, available online, are included as they illustrate or illuminate the readings. I will try to give credit and link to sources as best I can.

Morning Prayer: 08 Sept – Revelation 3:1-6 ~ Sardis: “wake up”

Morning Prayer

+ In the name of the Father and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen

Opening sentences

God, come to my assistance. Lord, make haste to help me.

One thing I have asked of the Lord, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life; to behold the beauty of the Lord and to seek Him in His temple.

Glory to the Father and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.

Revelation 3:1-6 (ESV) – to be read aloud

“And to the angel of the church in Sardis write: ‘The words of him who has the seven spirits of God and the seven stars.

Wake_up_Call“‘I know your works. You have the reputation of being alive, but you are dead. Wake up, and strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have not found your works complete in the sight of my God. Remember, then, what you received and heard. Keep it, and repent. If you will not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what hour I will come against you.

“‘Yet you have still a few names in Sardis, people who have not soiled their garments, and they will walk with me in white, for they are worthy. The one who conquers will be clothed thus in white garments, and I will never blot his name out of the book of life. I will confess his name before my Father and before his angels. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’”

Reflection

THE FIRST VISION – THE SEVEN LETTERS

To the Church in Sardis

can-you-hear-me

Summary: The church in Sardis was considered to be alive and well, but actually it was on the point of death. Christ admonishes the congregation to wake up to their perilous condition and take steps to restore their former vitality. Otherwise he will visit them unexpectedly in judgement. Those who overcome will have their names in the book of life and stand approved before God. (Mounce, p. 92)

Sardis: The glory of Sardis lay in the past… in New Testament times she had sunk to relative obscurity…. The people of the city were widely known for their luxurious, loose way of life….. The main problem for the church is that of spiritual apathy, which may have resulted from the softness and love of luxury which characterized the secular society. (Ladd, p.55)

Christ: The problem of the church was spiritual death; Christ is the possessor of the Holy Spirit who alone can give life…. Although the church had fallen into sad spiritual complacency, she was still the object of Christ’s care. (Ladd, p.55)

Reputation: The spiritual decay of the church was not obvious to outward observation… it was known for its “good works”… for its life and vitality. But in the sight of God it was dead. Here is a picture of nominal Christianity, outwardly prosperous, busy with the externals of religious activity, but devoid of spiritual life and power. (Ladd, p.56)

Wake up call: The church was not yet entirely beyond hope…. There still remained a residuum of life which could be revived…. While their religious life was characterized by good works and charitable activities… these were a failure because they… were not infused with the Holy Spirit. (Ladd, p.56)

Unexpected judgement: Christ will come like a thief… unexpectedly…. Christ comes in many ways and this is clearly a limited coming in judgement on unrepentant sinners. Their fate is none the less fearsome because left undefined. (Morris, p.76)

The overcomers: Three promises – (1) they will be dressed in white – promise of victory and purity; (2) their names will remain in the book of life – promise of assurance of salvation;  and (3) Christ will acknowledge them before God – promise of reward beyond measure in the life to come. (Mounce, p.96; Ladd, p. 57-58)

Prayer

Risen Christ – You hold Your church and Your people in Your hand. Send us Your Spirit:

+ that the church would be alive, not only in outward appearance and reputation, but in reality through Your power at work within us….
Lord, hear us.
+ that our congregations would become stronger, walking by faith not by sight, trusting in the Spirit to lead us into all Truth…
Lord, hear us.
+ that the people in our congregations would continue their good works and charitable activities….
Lord, hear us.
+ that the church would repent of its sin, seeing herself from Your perspective, and hunger for godliness from the inside out….
Lord, hear us.
+ that the people in the church would be characterized by purity, assurance, and faithfulness….

Lord Jesus – shine Your light on our blind spots; forgive us, heal us, and set us free to love and serve You today.
We ask this for Your Name’s sake. Amen.
__________


__________

Canticle

Christ, as a light – illumine and guide me.
Christ, as a shield – overshadow me.
Christ under me; Christ over me; Christ beside me – on my left and my right.
This day be within and without me, lowly and meek, yet all-powerful.
Be in the heart of each to whom I speak; in the mouth of each who speaks unto me.
This day be within and without me, lowly and meek, yet all-powerful.
Christ as a light; Christ as a shield; Christ beside me – on my left and my right.

Blessing

May the peace of the Lord Christ go with you, wherever He may send you.
May He guide you through the wilderness, protect you through the storm.
May He bring you home rejoicing at the wonders He has shown you.
May He bring you home rejoicing once again into our doors.

+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen
_____________________________________

Peanut Gallery: In September, we will begin reading through the Book of Revelation (ESV). Our purpose will be devotional, i.e. to discover the word of blessing that God has for us in these troubled times… to find hope and help for our daily lives.

This will not be a Bible Study per se: we will not attempt to unravel the “mysteries” of Revelation… that is far beyond our abilities and is not our interest here. However, so as not to get too far afield, we will rely on three study resources: primary – A Commentary on the Revelation of John (George Elton Ladd); supplemental Revelation (Leon Morris) and  The Book of Revelation (Robert H. Mounce).

The general format for Morning Prayer is adapted from the Northumbrian Community‘s Daily Office, as found in Celtic Daily Prayer (see online resources here.) On Sundays, we’ll return to the USCCB readings (see online resources here) and various liturgical resources in order to reflect the Church’s worship and concerns throughout the world. Photo illustrations and music videos, available online, are included as they illustrate or illuminate the readings. I will try to give credit and link to sources as best I can.

Morning Prayer: 06 Sept – Revelation 2:18-28 ~ Thyatira: expediency over principle

Morning Prayer

+ In the name of the Father and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen

Opening sentences

God, come to my assistance. Lord, make haste to help me.

One thing I have asked of the Lord, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life; to behold the beauty of the Lord and to seek Him in His temple.

Glory to the Father and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.

Revelation 2:18-28 (ESV) – to be read aloud

“And to the angel of the church in Thyatira write: ‘The words of the Son of God, who has eyes like a flame of fire, and whose feet are like burnished bronze. I know your works, your love and faith and service and patient endurance, and that your latter works exceed the first.

Countess Jezebel" Painted by Joan Baez
“Countess Jezebel”
Painted by Joan Baez

“‘But I have this against you, that you tolerate that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess and is teaching and seducing my servants to practice sexual immorality and to eat food sacrificed to idols. I gave her time to repent, but she refuses to repent of her sexual immorality. Behold, I will throw her onto a sickbed, and those who commit adultery with her I will throw into great tribulation, unless they repent of her works, and I will strike her children dead. And all the churches will know that I am he who searches mind and heart, and I will give to each of you according to your works.

“‘But to the rest of you in Thyatira, who do not hold this teaching, who have not learned what some call the deep things of Satan, to you I say, I do not lay on you any other burden. Only hold fast what you have until I come. The one who conquers and who keeps my works until the end, to him I will give authority over the nations, and he will rule them with a rod of iron, as when earthen pots are broken in pieces, even as I myself have received authority from my Father. And I will give him the morning star. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’

Reflection

THE FIRST VISION – THE SEVEN LETTERS

To the Church in Thyatira

Thyatira was noted as a trading center… the trade controlled by her many trade guilds… which enjoyed common meals probably dedicated to some pagan deity that typically ended in unbridled licentiousness. It would be nearly impossible for a citizen to participate in trade and industry without membership in the appropriate guild. That’s where the problem arose for the Christians in Thyatira. (Ladd, p.50)

Son of God…

This is the only occurrence of this title in Revelation…. Christ is described as the one whose eyes flash with anger and who is prepared to tread under his feet the enemies of the Christian faith. (Ladd, p.50)

I know your works…

The church in Thyatira has much to commend it… love and faith have produced service and patient endurance in the face of the problems of living in a pagan culture and environment… the church is growing in her display of Christian virtues. (Ladd, p.51)

Jezebel… a prophetess…

However, the church has tolerated evil, pernicious teaching from a woman who claimed to be speaking for God – a type of Jezebel. While the church recognized the evil character of her teaching, they apparently refused to deal with it. The result was full accommodation to pagan mores surrounding guild membership and participation in their pagan meals and immorality…. This false prophetess had been rebuked, but without success. (Ladd, p.52)

great tribulation…

The same affliction will befall the woman and those who have unreservedly accepted her teaching, adjusting their Christian profession to the immoral practices associated with the trade guilds….

Every generation of Christians must face the question, ‘How far should I accept and adopt contemporary standards and practices?’ On the one hand, Christians must not deny the faith. On the other, they must not deny their membership in society…. Christians live in the same world as their neighbors and face the same problems. They must find Christian solutions.

The woman and her followers had been so ready to conform to the lifestyle of their heathen neighbors that they had lost sight of the essential Christian position. They had exalted expediency over principle. (Morris, p.71)

to the rest of you… hold fast…

For those who have repudiated the false teaching Christ imposes no additional burden beyond that which they are currently bearing – service and patient endurance…. This does not mean that life is easy – a different quality of life is demanded from the Christian. It requires that they hold fast to what they have… until the glorious day when their Lord will appear. Perseverance is important… for the Christian life is not a battle but a campaign.

The reward for the overcomer is authority over the nations, a dazzling prospect but one that demanded great faith from a tiny church. (Morris, p.73)

Prayer

Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on us… sinners that we are:

+ That the church will be characterized by good deeds and that those deeds will increase in number and effectiveness….
+ That Christian people will be characterized by godly love in our homes, at work, and in our communities….
+ That the church will be characterized by faith in Jesus Christ….
+ That Christian people will be characterized by service to others….
+ That the church will be characterized by perseverance in the face of societal opposition….
+ That the church will not tolerate false teachers and their attending practices….
+ That Christian people will hold fast to the faith and so become conquerors who hear and keep Your word….

We ask this for Your Name’s sake. Amen.
__________


__________

Canticle

Christ, as a light – illumine and guide me.
Christ, as a shield – overshadow me.
Christ under me; Christ over me; Christ beside me – on my left and my right.
This day be within and without me, lowly and meek, yet all-powerful.
Be in the heart of each to whom I speak; in the mouth of each who speaks unto me.
This day be within and without me, lowly and meek, yet all-powerful.
Christ as a light; Christ as a shield; Christ beside me – on my left and my right.

Blessing

May the peace of the Lord Christ go with you, wherever He may send you.
May He guide you through the wilderness, protect you through the storm.
May He bring you home rejoicing at the wonders He has shown you.
May He bring you home rejoicing once again into our doors.

+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen

_____________________________________

Peanut Gallery: In September, we will begin reading through the Book of Revelation (ESV). Our purpose will be devotional, i.e. to discover the word of blessing that God has for us in these troubled times… to find hope and help for our daily lives.

This will not be a Bible Study per se: we will not attempt to unravel the “mysteries” of Revelation… that is far beyond our abilities and is not our interest here. However, so as not to get too far afield, we will rely on three study resources: primary – A Commentary on the Revelation of John (George Elton Ladd); supplemental Revelation (Leon Morris) and  The Book of Revelation (Robert H. Mounce).

The general format for Morning Prayer is adapted from the Northumbrian Community‘s Daily Office, as found in Celtic Daily Prayer (see online resources here.) On Sundays, we’ll return to the USCCB readings (see online resources here) and various liturgical resources in order to reflect the Church’s worship and concerns throughout the world. Photo illustrations and music videos, available online, are included as they illustrate or illuminate the readings. I will try to give credit and link to sources as best I can.

Morning Prayer: 05 Sept – Revelation 2:12-17 ~ Pergamum: faith and laxity

Morning Prayer

+ In the name of the Father and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen

Opening sentences

God, come to my assistance. Lord, make haste to help me.

One thing I have asked of the Lord, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life; to behold the beauty of the Lord and to seek Him in His temple.

Glory to the Father and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.

Revelation 2:12-17 (ESV) – to be read aloud

“And to the angel of the church in Pergamum write: ‘The words of him who has the sharp two-edged sword.

“‘I know where you dwell, where Satan’s throne is. Yet you hold fast my name, and you did not deny my faith even in the days of Antipas my faithful witness, who was killed among you, where Satan dwells.

“‘But I have a few things against you: you have some there who hold the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to put a stumbling block before the sons of Israel, so that they might eat food sacrificed to idols and practice sexual immorality. So also you have some who hold the teaching of the Nicolaitans. Therefore repent. If not, I will come to you soon and war against them with the sword of my mouth.

“‘He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who conquers I will give some of the hidden manna, and I will give him a white stone, with a new name written on the stone that no one knows except the one who receives it.’”

Reflection

THE FIRST VISION – THE SEVEN LETTERS

To the Church in Pergamum

The Great Altar from Pergamum (Bergama, in modern Turkey), in the Pergamum Museum, Berlin
The Great Altar from Pergamum (Bergama, in modern Turkey), in the Pergamum Museum, Berlin

Pergamum was a center of worship for four of the most important pagan cults of the day – Zeus, Athene, Dionysos, and Asklepios, the god of healing, which attracted people from all over the world. Pergamum has been described as ‘the Lourdes of the ancient world.’ And, even more important for the Christians who lived there, it was the principle center of Caesar-worship in this part of the world. (Morris, p.65)

“the sharp two-edged sword…”

In the context of life in a provincial capital where the pro-consul was granted “the right of the sword”, the power to execute at will, the sovereign Christ with the two-edged sword would remind the threatened congregation that the ultimate power over life and death belongs to God. (Mounce, p.79)

“where Satan’s throne is…”

Part of the freize from the Great Altar of Pergamum
Part of the freize from the Great Altar of Pergamum

Pergamum was a stronghold of both pagan religion and emporer worship and provided an unusually difficult environment for a Christian church…. We should remember that most of the converts in Pergamum had come from paganism, and undoubtedly the social and religious pressure to abandon Christ and to turn back to their pagan worship was severe. (Ladd, p.46)

“Yet you hold fast…”

The Greek word here for ‘witness’ is martys, which later came to bear the connotation of martyr…. By standing faithful to the point of death and suffering martyrdom, the Christian bore his most effective witness to his Lord. (Ladd, p.47)

The phrase ‘where Satan lives’ stresses the significance of the activity of the evil one. Persecution does not take place simply at the behest of wicked people. (Morris, p.66)

“a few things against you…”

Balaam is a prototype of those who promote compromise with paganism in idolatry and immorality…. The Pergamum Christians had allowed pagan morals to influence them…. They were guilty of allowing within their number some who held to the teaching of Balaam…. However, the entire church is summoned to repent for a sin of which only a few were actually guilty…. The sin of the Pergamum church was tolerance and laxity. (Ladd, p. 49)

“Repent… I will come…”

Evil must not be countenanced…. The alternative to repentance is to have Christ fight against them…. The word Christ speaks will either be a comfort and a strength, or else it destroys us. (Morris, p.67)

“To the one who conquers…”

John uses the idea of manna metaphorically to indicate admission to the messianic feast… hidden now in the presence of God but destined to be revealed in the messianic age…. The white stone is a symbol of admission… and a new name (the name of Christ? / new name given to the holder?) means certainty of entrance to the messianic banquet. (Ladd, p.49)

Prayer

Almighty God, Ruler and Righteous Judge, You know the truth about the church and all mankind. You know the truth about us. Lord, hear our prayer –

+ That Your people may faithfully bear witness to Christ, regardless of the hardships or circumstances we may face….
Lord, hear us.

+ That Your people may remain faithful to the Truth of the Gospel and strive to live godly lives in the midst of pagan, even demonic, cultures….
Lord, hear us.

+ That Your church may uphold the high standards of biblical morality – especially concerning marriage, family, and human sexuality….
Lord, hear us.

+ That Your people may be delivered from laxity and tolerance toward the mores of pagan cultures that erode holiness and righteousness….
Lord, hear us.

+ That Your church may exercise godly discipline among its members in a manner that leads to repentance, reconciliation and restoration….
Lord, hear us.

Holy God, show us the areas where we have allowed sin to take root in our lives. Forgive us and make us clean. We want to be holy. Show us how to walk in the truth. We ask this in Jesus’ Name. Amen
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Canticle

Christ, as a light – illumine and guide me.
Christ, as a shield – overshadow me.
Christ under me; Christ over me; Christ beside me – on my left and my right.
This day be within and without me, lowly and meek, yet all-powerful.
Be in the heart of each to whom I speak; in the mouth of each who speaks unto me.
This day be within and without me, lowly and meek, yet all-powerful.
Christ as a light; Christ as a shield; Christ beside me – on my left and my right.

Blessing

May the peace of the Lord Christ go with you, wherever He may send you.
May He guide you through the wilderness, protect you through the storm.
May He bring you home rejoicing at the wonders He has shown you.
May He bring you home rejoicing once again into our doors.

+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen

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Peanut Gallery: In September, we will begin reading through the Book of Revelation (ESV). Our purpose will be devotional, i.e. to discover the word of blessing that God has for us in these troubled times… to find hope and help for our daily lives.

This will not be a Bible Study per se: we will not attempt to unravel the “mysteries” of Revelation… that is far beyond our abilities and is not our interest here. However, so as not to get too far afield, we will rely on three study resources: primary – A Commentary on the Revelation of John (George Elton Ladd); supplemental Revelation (Leon Morris) and  The Book of Revelation (Robert H. Mounce).

The general format for Morning Prayer is adapted from the Northumbrian Community‘s Daily Office, as found in Celtic Daily Prayer (see online resources here.) On Sundays, we’ll return to the USCCB readings (see online resources here) and various liturgical resources in order to reflect the Church’s worship and concerns throughout the world. Photo illustrations and music videos, available online, are included as they illustrate or illuminate the readings. I will try to give credit and link to sources as best I can.