No Eyes or Ears to See or Hear
Chapter 3 looks at three more churches that were located in Asia, a province of the Roman Empire primarily located in modern Turkey. All together, these seven churches represent issues that have been part of what Christians have had to face for the past 2,000 years. Both the church at Sardis and Laodicea had become spiritually dead. Outwardly they appeared to be doing well, yet in God's eyes they were "dead…wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked" (Rev. 3:17) They were warned, as all Christians have been since, to have "an ear" to hear what the Holy Spirit speaks to the churches. They were told to anoint their "eyes with eye salve" that they may see (3:6, 18). It is God's love for us that He graciously warns us of our spiritual cancer and the blindness to see it. Once He speaks, the constitution of our own hearts determines whether we heed His warnings. Our ability to hear and see what is true about God and ourselves is of course directly linked to our heart condition. Just as we saw at the church in Ephesus, it all came down to love. If our hearts are removed from God, we will have our eyes and ears shut to His voice and light. Conversely if God is our treasure, our hearts will naturally long to be restored to the loss of our former intimacy with Him. However, when we, in self-deception, believe it is possible to serve more than one master, to love other "gods," we draw darkness over our eyes and dullness of hearing over our ears. Guard your heart with great care, for what you give your heart to will inevitably fill your life. A positive example is the church in Philadelphia. They lived out what their city's name represented, "brotherly love." They were not an outwardly great church, but they were a living church, a church with love. They not only loved each other, but first and foremost they loved God. Their love was a response to the great love He had revealed for them (3:9). Their love for God was practical and active. Their love was expressed in a heartfelt desire to please the One they loved by willingly keeping God's word and persevere through suffering by the power of faithful hearts (3:7-13). Chapter 4 takes us from Christ's dealings with His church to a view of Heaven. There we behold those who fully see and hear God in Heaven. The impact of that is glorious praise -- not the stagnant, half-hearted love of Ephesus or Laodicea. This passionate expression of honor to God is possible for us as well if we by God's Spirit are willing to live with open ears and open eyes! God is still speaking to His church collectively and individually. Are you hearing? Are you seeing? If not, check your heart! If you purify your heart of its idols you too will find the pearls of God's glory that the casual and disinterested will never discover. | |
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Revelation 3:1-4:11 1 "And to the angel of the church in Sardis write, 'These things says He who has the seven Spirits of God and the seven stars: "I know your works, that you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead. 2 Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die, for I have not found your works perfect before God. 3 Remember therefore how you have received and heard; hold fast and repent. Therefore if you will not watch, I will come upon you as a thief, and you will not know what hour I will come upon you. 4 You have a few names even in Sardis who have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with Me in white, for they are worthy. 5 He who overcomes shall be clothed in white garments, and I will not blot out his name from the Book of Life; but I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels. 6 "He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches."' The Faithful Church 7 "And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write, 'These things says He who is holy, He who is true, "He who has the key of David, He who opens and no one shuts, and shuts and no one opens": 8 "I know your works. See, I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it; for you have a little strength, have kept My word, and have not denied My name. 9 Indeed I will make those of the synagogue of Satan, who say they are Jews and are not, but lie—indeed I will make them come and worship before your feet, and to know that I have loved you. 10 Because you have kept My command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth. 11 Behold, I am coming quickly! Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown. 12 He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he shall go out no more. 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 out of heaven from My God. And I will write on him My new name. 13 "He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches."' The Lukewarm Church 14 "And to the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write, 'These things says the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God: 15 "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. 17 Because you say, 'I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing'—and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked— 18 I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see. 19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent. 20 Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me. 21 To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne. 22 "He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches."'" Revelation 4 The Throne Room of Heaven 1 After these things I looked, and behold, a door standing open in heaven. And the first voice which I heard was like a trumpet speaking with me, saying, "Come up here, and I will show you things which must take place after this." 2 Immediately I was in the Spirit; and behold, a throne set in heaven, and One sat on the throne. 3 And He who sat there was like a jasper and a sardius stone in appearance; and there was a rainbow around the throne, in appearance like an emerald. 4 Around the throne were twenty-four thrones, and on the thrones I saw twenty-four elders sitting, clothed in white robes; and they had crowns of gold on their heads. 5 And from the throne proceeded lightnings, thunderings, and voices. Seven lamps of fire were burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God. 6 Before the throne there was a sea of glass, like crystal. And in the midst of the throne, and around the throne, were four living creatures full of eyes in front and in back. 7 The first living creature was like a lion, the second living creature like a calf, the third living creature had a face like a man, and the fourth living creature was like a flying eagle. 8 The four living creatures, each having six wings, were full of eyes around and within. And they do not rest day or night, saying: "Holy, holy, holy, 9 Whenever the living creatures give glory and honor and thanks to Him who sits on the throne, who lives forever and ever, 10 the twenty-four elders fall down before Him who sits on the throne and worship Him who lives forever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying: 11 "You are worthy, O Lord, | |
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Revelation 3:1-4:11 v. 1 to the Angel – aggelos (Gk.) means messenger. These letters were likely written to the pastors responsible over each church mentioned. Sardis – A luxurious city in Asia Minor, the capital of Lydia. Located about 30 miles southeast of Thyatira, on an important trade route that ran east and west through the kingdom of Lydia. This city made its wealth through its many important industries. It was also a center of pagan worship and the site of a great temple to the goddess Artemis. Sardis was eventually destroyed by the Mongolian conqueror Tamerlane in 1402. I Know Your Works – Jesus knows all the activities of all the churches. He is omniscient and knows the hearts of all men. There are no exceptions (Matt. 9:4, Luke 11:17, Acts 1:24). You Have a Name that You Are Alive, but You Are Dead – Jesus' commentary here is that this church has a living reputation, but a dead character. A person who is spiritually dead will have no apparent struggles going on in their life. v. 2 Watchful – gregoreuo (Gk.) awake, alert, vigilant, and on guard. The city of Sardis had a history of falling to conquering armies through overconfidence and a lack of watchfulness. A professing believer can feel overconfident because of the seemingly undefeatable doctrinal defense he sees erected around him. But it is the true condition of his soul that really matters. Jesus tells this church and each individual believer to pay attention and be watchful (Prov. 16:18, 1 Cor. 10:12). Strengthen the Things Which Remain, that are Ready to Die – Jesus gives hope to this church. He encourages them that it is not too late. He does not say that they are completely dead. There are "things" or "good qualities" and characteristics that are still alive in this church. But even these things are about to die. Works – ergon (Gk.) meaning business or employment. Just because a church or a Christian is conducting "business as usual" does not imply spiritual health. Every religion has a schedule of activities, rites and ceremonies. This activity does not necessarily indicate healthy spiritual life. Perfect – pleroo (Gk.) to be full and complete v. 3 Remember – mnemoneuo (Gk.) to be mindful of, to remember, to call to mind and hold in memory. Frequently the principal problem with any believer of any time can be forgetfulness (Heb. 2:1; 2 Peter 1:13, 3:1; Rev. 2:5). How – pos (Gk.) can mean either how, what, or why Hold Fast – tereo (Gk.) to attend to carefully, take care of and guard. Repent – metanoeo (Gk.) to change one's mind for better, heartily to amend with abhorrence of one's past sins Watch – threw (Gk.) to be alert and on guard I Will Come Upon You as a Thief – This indicates a sudden and unexpected coming. The language used by Jesus here reflects the many references to the Second coming of Christ (Matt. 24:43, 1 Thess. 5:2, 2 Peter 3:10). You Will Not Know What Hour – According to Jesus' words, even to those who are watching and ready, He will come "at an hour you do not expect" (Matt. 24:42, 44). To some this coming will bring swift judgment. To others it will bring swift deliverance. v. 4 Few Names – Referring to a select group of specific individuals as opposed to the entire church. In Pergamos (Rev. 2:14) and in Thyatira (Rev. 2:20) there were a few bad among the good. But in Sardis there are a few good among the bad. Who Have Not Defiled Their Garments – According to 3:18, true believers are to be clothed in white garments. White garments represent pure, clean, acceptable dress before the King (Rev. 4:4). In ancient culture, one was not permitted to come before royalty in soiled garments. And spiritually speaking, because clean and undefiled garments represent righteousness, you cannot appear before the King of kings in corrupted covering. Walk With Me in White, for They are Worthy – Jesus declares that those who have stood against the tide of wickedness and have not defiled themselves with sin and heresy are worthy to walk with Him. The greatest reward anyone can ever receive is to walk with Jesus in white. This is a picture of complete innocence, acceptance, and intimacy with God. It is a picture of the "saved," those redeemed by the Savior (Rev. 3:18, 4:4, 6:11, 7:9-13). v. 5 He Who Overcomes – Referring to those in the church of Sardis who overcome their plight of having a reputation that lives but a character that is dead (Rev. 2:1-2). White Garments – Jesus makes a specific promise to those who overcome this situation of impending death. They will walk with him in white (v. 4). The Lord Himself will clothe them with these white garments (Matt. 22:1-14). I Will Not Blot Out His Name from the Book of Life – The Book of Life is the divine register of all citizens of the kingdom. In ancient times there were two ways a person might have his name blotted out of the citizen role of the city in which he lived: either by death or by becoming a criminal. There is a Book of Life (Phil. 4:3; Rev. 21:27, 22:19) and it will be opened and referenced on the Day of Judgment. People's eternal destiny will be predicated upon whether their name is recorded in this book (Rev. 20:12, 15). There are five references in scripture to names being blotted out of the Book of Life (Ex. 32:32, 32:33; Ps. 69:28; Rev 3:5, 22:19). According to Deut. 29:18-20, If anyone stubbornly and presumptuously rejects the Lord in his or her heart and persistently determines to pursue other "gods" or even "follow the dictates of his or her heart" presuming that they themselves are immune and exempt from God's judgment, that person will be cursed with many curses and, "the Lord would blot out his name from under heaven" (Ex. 32:33; Ps. 69:28; Eze. 14:7, 8). Because salvation is by faith and not works this is a faith issue. The one whose name is blotted out of the Book of Life would have an apostate faith demonstrated by a rejection of Christ in heart and action. I Will Confess His Name Before My Father – Before Christ confesses a man's name before the Father, that man must first confess Christ's name before men (Matt. 10:32, 33). v. 6 He Who Has an Ear, Let Him Hear What the Spirit Says to the Churches – This exact saying is repeated seven times to seven churches (Rev. 2:7, 11, 17, 29; 3:6, 13, 22). Notice Jesus doesn't say let each church hear the specific message that only applies to their particular church. Every Christian of every time should hear and heed the exhortations Jesus gives to each of these churches. These letters are written for every Christian. v. 7 Philadelphia – Philadelpheia (Gk.) meaning, "brotherly love." This city had a very small population in John's day because it had been greatly troubled by frequent and violent earthquakes. As recent as 17 AD the city was completely destroyed by a great quake. John now writes to a small church in a small city, seeking to rebuild under unstable conditions. Perhaps what kept this city going was the fact that it was located on one of the greatest highways in the world leading from Europe to the East. The city of Philadelphia was the gateway from one continent to another. He Who is Holy – Jesus is totally set apart unto God's priorities and plans and is completely without fault. He is the only perfect One. He Who is True – Jesus is genuine. There is nothing false in Him. He is the Father's one authentic and legitimate representative. Furthermore, He is the Way, the Truth and the Life (John 14:6). No other person in history can appropriately describe himself as "He who is holy" and "He who is true" (John 1:9, 6:32, 7:28, 15:1, 17:3). Key of David – This is an allusion to Isaiah 22:20-22 where King Hezekiah's servant Eliakim was given great authority over his kingdom. As Eliakim had the authority to admit or restrict people from King Hezekiah's kingdom, so Jesus Christ has that sort of authority over the Kingdom of Heaven. He can grant admittance and He can exclude. v. 8 I Know Your Works – To each of the seven churches Jesus says this same phrase (Rev 2:2, 9, 13, 19; 3:1, 8, 15). He knows all the activity of all men. He knows all works and activities, good or bad. But more than that, He knows the hearts and thoughts of all men (Prov. 15:11). Open Door – The term "open door" was used often in the New Testament to describe an open opportunity to share the Gospel (1 Cor. 16:9, 2 Cor. 2:12, Col. 4:3). It makes sense that this city of Philadelphia that was situated in such a strategic highway that it was considered the gateway to the east, would also be used by Jesus as an open door of evangelism to the rest of the world. You Have a Little Strength…Kept My Word – Jesus here compliments this church for their reliance upon God and faithfulness to Christ in spite of their weaknesses. We see here that it doesn't take great strength to keep God's Word and live in obedience. As a matter of fact, the Apostle Paul said that God's strength is perfected in our weakness (2 Cor. 12:7-10). v. 9 Synagogue of Satan…Say they are Jews and Are Not – Prior to 70 AD, the greatest persecution of Christians came from the Jewish leaders. Jesus calls these hypocritical Jews the "synagogue of Satan." They thought they were God's chosen people pleasing in His sight, but they were not. They were living a lie. They were not true Jews any more than those who persecute Jews today are true Christians (Rom. 2:28-29). v. 10 Persevere – hupomone (Gk.) a remaining behind, a patient enduring Keep You from the Hour of Trial – Jesus promises that the one who remains faithful to Him will be spared from the coming time of great testing. v. 14 Laodicea – This city was very wealthy for several reasons. It was a great banking center and produced a luxurious black wool that was used for both clothing and fine carpets and was widely exported. It was the location of a famous medical school, a producer of a medicinal powder used to treat a variety of eye ailments. Amen – Amen means "so be it" or "it is done." Though this word is used more than 70 times in scripture, this is the only time it is used as a title or name. Jesus calls Himself "the Amen" indicating that He is God the Father's final word. He is God the Father's "so be it" (2 Cor. 1:20). The Faithful and True Witness – Here Jesus contrasts Himself with the Laodicean church, which was neither faithful nor true. Only Jesus is the trustworthy and accurate witness of God (John 14:9). The Beginning of the Creation of God – Some misinterpret this phrase to mean that Jesus was the first being that God created. But this English word "beginning" comes from the Greek word arche, which can also mean "origin." Jesus Christ is the origin of all created things (John 1:3; 1 Cor. 8:6; Heb. 1:2; 3:3, 4). According to Colossians 4:16, the book of Colossians was passed along to the church of Laodicea. If they indeed read this epistle of Paul, they would already understand that Jesus Christ shared in the very act of creation with His Father and is Himself Deity (Col. 1:15-17). v. 15 You are Neither Cold nor Hot – The Master Teacher uses a word picture they were sure to understand. The Laodiceans were well acquainted with the problem of not having hot or cold water. I Could Wish You Were Cold or Hot – Some take this to mean that Jesus would rather have a Christian's heart hot for Him or cold against Him, loving Him or hating Him. The truth is that Jesus was merely making the point that He doesn't want them to be the same temperature as their environment. Everyone appreciates a cold class of water on a hot day. And most value a hot drink on a cold day. But a drink that is the same temperature as its environment is not refreshing. Jesus is saying to this church, "You are the same as your environment. You are no different than the world!" Those who are truly following Christ will stand out as different from their environment. They will not readily blend in with those who are lost without Christ. v. 16 Vomit You Out of My Mouth – Jesus gives us a radical picture here of being so disturbed or sickened by the condition of a church that He would actually vomit them out. This is not so surprising in light of verse 20, which reveals that they have already expelled Him from their midst. v. 17 Because You Say, "I am Rich, Have Become Wealthy, and Have Need of Nothing" – Wealth can impart a false sense of self-sufficiency. Prosperity can deceive you into thinking that you are in need of nothing. Jesus taught that those who have a humble view of themselves will truly possess the riches of heaven (Matt. 5:3). This church stands in stark contrast to the church of Smyrna (2:9). Though they were poor, Jesus calls them rich. Wretched, Miserable, Poor, Blind, and Naked – The five words Jesus uses to describe this church's true condition are in contrast to what they thought of themselves. They thought they were rich and Jesus declared that they were actually poor. They felt that they were wealthy and in need of nothing. But Jesus reveals that they are actually wretched and miserable. They gloried in the fact that their city had established its fame and affluence upon their medical school, producing healing eye salve, and their textile industry producing fine black wool. But Jesus says, "You are blind and naked." A person's positive thinking and confessing can be completely mistaken and erroneous in the sight of God. Wretched – talaiporos (Gk.) distressed, miserable Miserable – eleeinos (Gk.) to be pitied Poor – ptochos (Gk.) beggarly; destitute of wealth, influence, position, honor Blind – tuphlos (Gk.) physically or mentally blind Naked – gumnos (Gk.) poorly clothed, open, lay bare v. 18 I Counsel You to Buy from Me – Jesus offers hope to one in such a sad condition. He offers His people "counsel" (Is. 1:18, 9:6). But the first thing the Church of Laodicea needed to do was realize that Jesus had something they needed. Because Laodicea was a city of great commerce, buying and selling, Jesus exhorted them that there was something they needed to "buy from" Him. Gold Refined in the Fire – This is a familiar phrase in the New Testament. There is something of much greater value than gold: our faith. Faith can only be "refined" by going through the fire of trails and tribulations (1 Peter 1:7). White Garments – Though they were proud of their precious, fine black clothing, Jesus says to the members of this church, "You need the white garments that only I can provide" (Is. 64:6, Rev. 19:8). White garments represent purity and righteousness. Anoint Your Eyes With Eye Salve – Using an illustration from the very thing they were known for (the healing of blind eyes), Jesus points out here that they were spiritually blind (Acts 26:18). v. 19 As Many as I Love, I Rebuke – Though this church has an overall nauseating attribute, Jesus does not hate them but loves them. And those God loves He corrects (Heb. 12:5-11). Rebuke – elegcho (Gk.) by conviction to bring to the light, to expose; to convict, refute, confute Chasten – paideuo (Gk.) to correct, disciple or punish for redemptive purposes Zealous – zeloo (Gk) "to burn with zeal" Repent – metanoeo (Gk.) to change one's mind for better, heartily to amend with abhorrence of one's past sins v. 20 I Stand at the Door and Knock – Jesus is on the outside of this church knocking and desiring to come in. If Anyone Hears My Voice and Opens the Door – Jesus' invitation here is to "anyone," indicating He is addressing individuals as well as the church as a whole. Notice it is the church's responsibility to open the door and let Jesus in. I will Come in to Him – a very personal and intimate promise of Jesus (John 14:21-23, 6:56, 15:5) Dine with Him – To "dine" with another has very intimate connotations in Jewish culture. To the Jew, to share a meal is to become one with the person you eat with. v. 21 To Him who Overcomes I will Grant to Sit with Me on My Throne – Jesus promises to those who overcome this gloomy state of lukewarm | |
