Messages to the Churches

Revelation 2:1-3:22
Yesterday we had Jesus with the lampstands and the stars, and today we hear that he walks among them. Well, as they are churches it seems he is walking among-to-with-around the churches-the people he is talking to. And he carries the stars. the STARS. I guess he could but yikes, that is a big thing to carry in your right hand.

He says that the people in Ephesus have abandoned their first love. What is supposed to be our first love? That would be God, if I remember my commandments, and if they abandon this love, what are they left with? He says to the one who listens he will grant to eat from the fruit of the tree of life-which is  in the paradise of God. We know about that tree, we made a mistake with that fruit all those years ago-all those days ago in our readings-now this tree is guarded-we read about that, but this says it resides with God, and is available still to those who listen to and love the Lord.

While the imagery of the message may be unclear, and perhaps it was for a specific place and time, there is a message for us in the words to these churches. Listen to the word of the lord, do not forget your first love, repent when you are out of relationship with God, turn back -turn away from the devil.

He says this to the church in Philadelphia (not PA) I know that you have but little power, and yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name.

 So this church, these people who have little power are not rebuked. They are called to hold fast-to believe, and we can do those things. This is good news if we feel powerless-we have the ability to hold fast, to listen and to love.


To those of us who think we do not need God this is what he says: 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 know that in times of trouble or distress I am more likely to remember to pray and to read the Bible. I might just be likely to think to myself I am OK, I don't need anything...but this can be a trap, when we go from I am blessed, to I am in charge of my welfare, I don't need anything, I don't need anyone, I don't need God. It is interesting that this says (essentially) don't hedge your bets. You can not have little household Gods, you can not ask the sorcerers (mediums, horoscopes, etc) what is going to happen, and still say you leave it all in God's hands. You are neither hot nor cold you are staying in the middle of the road. There comes a time when you have to declare-for one side or another.

Joshua says it like this: "As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord!" I'm with him. I'm listening.
How about you?
See you tomorrow.
-maggie