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Behold I Stand at the Door and Knock In Revelation 2 and 3, Jesus speaks to the seven churches of Asia. These were actual churches that existed at the time that John wrote from the Isle of Patmos. Many believe that they represent the varying conditions of the church from that time until now, in specific church ages. That may be, but I believe that there are aspects of each church in our present day churches and in ourselves. Ephesus (Rev. 2:1-7) was a good church that had grown lukewarm. They had a standard of holiness because they hated the deeds of the Nicolatitans, who basically had an anything goes philosophy. Smyrna (Rev. 2:8-11) was a church that suffered heavy persecution, but remained faithful. Pergamos (Rev. 2:12-17) was a church that received both praise and condemnation from Jesus. They had been true to the faith and had not denied the Lord’s name. On the other hand they had some among them who held the doctrine of Balaam and also those who held the doctrine of the Nicolatitans. Thyatira (Rev. 2:18-29) was commended for their good works and faith and condemned because they had a woman teacher called Jezebel who cause some to commit fornication and to fall into idolatry. Sardis (Rev. 3:1-6) was a church ready to die. They did have a few people who had been faithful and who were promised a reward. Philadelphia (Rev. 3:7-13) was a faithful church in whom the Lord found no fault. Laodicea (Rev.3:14-20 )The last of the seven churches addressed by Jesus. This church was lukewarm. They had riches and felt a need of nothing. It is interesting that the name Laodicea means, “rule of the people.” If the preacher gets too hard on sin, he’s out of a job. The description that Jesus gives of these churches certainly can be applied to the church and to each individual as a whole today. We certainly have our Balaams who prophesy for hire and who try to sell the blessing of God. We also have our Nicolatitans for whom anything goes. They have no absolutes. Everything can be justified by the word of God, if it is twisted enough. I can’t do anything about what I see in the churches other than to sound off and hope that somebody is listening. However, I can do something about myself. Jesus said, “If any man will hear my voice and open the door, I will come into him and sup with him and he with Me.” It’s up to me. I believe that we’ve all seen the picture of Jesus standing and knocking at a door with no outside latch. It has to be opened from the inside. Truthfully, sometimes I hear Him knocking and am slow to answer. I need to complete the task of the moment first. I’m sure that this grieves His heart. I don’t know of any perfect church, but I certainly know of some who are lukewarm and ready to die. Others actually rob and oppress the people and sell the blessings of God. But to all of these and to each of us, Jesus is knocking at our doors and calling our names. He desires to come in and have a two way conversation with each of us, regardless of the condition of our church or denomination. It's easy to find fault and place blame on our pastors and churches but if we as individuals heed His call, our churches will automatically be strengthened. Revelation 3:20 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. Keep Looking Up! Don and Marie Spooner About Him! Ministries Your thoughts and Inquiries Contact@about-him.com Subscribe to this devotional? Subscribe@about-him.com
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