Writing love letters has become a lost art. Texting or even emailing just doesn’t have the eloquent essence of an exquisitely handwritten love letter of the past.
When first read, you can tell the words come straight from the heart of the writer. Well, there was an author who wrote a total of seven love letters that come straight from the heart of God.
I’m referring to seven love letters revealed in the second and third chapters of the Book of Revelation written to the churches of Asia Minor.
Those love letters were to seven churches near the end of the first century, but their significance continues for all generations!
Those letters were written by the Apostle John on the Isle of Patmos with a huge assist from the Holy Spirit.
On first blush, it’s quite possible you might not sense God’s love in these letters. And, I know that some of you have probably never read the Book of Revelation.
You really should, since it’s the end of His Story and the Scriptures reveal so much to those who are seeking the answers to the purpose of life.
These short yet poignant letters may be addressed to the angels over each church, but they are written to all humankind as well.
Let’s not even mention the seven churches. Instead, let’s discuss what Christ Jesus tells John to write — words of encouragement and instruction that could just as easily be addressed to us personally.
For instance, we read “I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance.” Then He continues, “Yet, I hold these things against you. You have forsaken the love you had at first.”
Such words spoken by my Savior and Lord to me would sadden me greatly.
Jesus then addresses us with these words: “I know your afflictions and your poverty — yet you are rich.”
And later continues, “Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer,” before ending with “Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you life as your victor’s crown.”
Are you prepared to suffer persecution for our Lord? Let me add an often-used command Jesus reiterates in these two chapters: “Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says …”
I hope you are listening to the Spirit of God. Perhaps the following verses fit your present relationship with Christ: “I know your deeds; you have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead. Wake up! Strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have found your deeds unfinished in the sight of my God. Remember therefore, what you have received and heard; hold it fast and repent. But if you do not wake up, I will come like a thief and you will not know at what time I will come to you.”
And then we also hear “I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and not denied my name.”
He later continues “I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take your crown.”
Now that’s encouraging!
And of course, we must include John’s words: “So, because you are lukewarm — neither hot nor cold — I am about to spit you out of my mouth. You say ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked?”
Fortunately, He continues, “Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent.”
Finally, let me end with Revelation 3:20, which I know you’ve heard before: “I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person and they with me.”
These are sobering words from our Father in Heaven. I hope they bring clarity to your life moving forward.