The Seven Churches of Revelation - Smyrna and Pergamos

Smyrna

8 And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive;

Jesus is also El Shaddai, the many breasted one; the one who is all sufficient.  He is able to succor all who come to Him.  To Ephesus Jesus was the one who holds the world (or the church in this case) in His hand.  In Smyrna He is the first and the last who died and rose again.  In Pergamos He is the Two Edged Sword of the Word of God.  These are all attributes of our Lord and Savior and He is all sufficient to meet our every need.  Here is a list of the names and attributes of Jesus in Revelation alone.

·      First-born from the Dead

·      Highest of Earthly Kings

·      Alpha and Omega

·      Lord God

·      Almighty

·      Son of Man

·      First and the Last

·      Living One

·      Son of God

·      aithful Witness

·      Creator

·      Lion of the Tribe of Judah

·      Root of David

·      Lamb

·      Shepherd

·      Christ (Anointed)

·      Faithful and True

·      Word of God

·      King of Kings

·      Lord of Lords

It is important to note which attribute of the King of Kings is speaking to each church.  In this letter to Smyrna, the church of Myrrh, the spice that denotes death, dying and tribulation, He is the First and the Last who was dead and NOW LIVES!  Smyrna would not know anything about being one of the wealthy churches, those churches who have Mercedes and Rolls Royce’s in the parking lot.  Her members walked or took the bus.  They were the persecuted.  They might have been those in Pakistan or the Middle East who struggled to maintain their faith in their great trials.  They identified with the suffering savior more than the triumphing king.

9 I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan.

The truth is that while God yet punishes all those who curse His chosen Jewish people, it was the Jews that first made Christians outcasts and brought them before the courts, costing many their lives.  Paul went to the Jews alone until they accused him of preaching and praying by the power of the devil.  That is when He ceased preaching to the Jews and went to the Gentiles (Acts 18:4-6).  You may not blaspheme the Holy Spirit.  It’s true that Israel as a whole did not blaspheme the Holy Spirit, but their leadership cost Israel almost two thousand years of suffering and grief. 

There was a recent story about an ultra orthodox Jew who stabbed several homosexuals in Jerusalem during a rally.  One of them, a young woman of 16 died.  The man feels perfectly justified in his actions because scripture says their lifestyle is an abomination to God.  While his statement of their lifestyle is actually correct, his actions precluded God ever reaching that young woman again with His grace and love.  We are living in a season of grace and while a Jew may not acknowledge that fact, we in Christ ought to.  We are here to spread the love, grace and mercy of God to the lost and dying world. Violently defending a God who does not need our defense is foolish.  His Word is the truth.  Only someone with an open mind can perceive and accept the truth.  That person can tap into the grace of God and have his entire world changed.

As for national politics or religious politics, to develop political power to accomplish your Savior’s will merely requires you to love with the love of God and allow Him to change hearts around you.  The Holy Spirit is much more powerful and capable than you will ever be at changing hearts.  In Jesus’ statement above he said, “It would appear that you are poor, beaten and abused…but…YOU ARE RICH!”  Looking at your bills and income and family needs, is it possible that you are actually wealthy and prosperous in the only way that matters? 

10 Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.

Beloved, have you considered verse 10 above?  Are you yet prepared to suffer?  Are you willing to suffer persecution and abuse for the sake of the gospel?  What are you willing to endure?  I have lived with fear for many years.  It has been in the past ten or so years that I truly have understood that not only is persecution possible in this country, but that it is the norm for Christians in most countries.  I speak with people every day who are angry with God for not giving them the job or the home or the promotion.  Very few of them acknowledge that they might one day have to endure persecution; that God may be trying to strengthen them to endure.  Could you keep your faith in that persecution or rather believe that God has failed.  I know Christians who hold this belief because they have neglected their study of God’s Word. 

In many countries Christians are thrown in prison simply for being Christian.  The verse goes on to say that they will be tried and may have tribulation for 10 days.  Ten is the number of completion.  The ten days does not necessarily mean on day eleven you will be released but that you may die in prison and so complete your course of work for Christ.  Your end may not be the end that you choose but perhaps God has.  Are you ready to honor Him in whatever way He chooses?  There is a crown of life waiting if you do.

It is important to remember that the Lord created the Earth in six days, not ten.  Six is the number of man and man is NOT YET complete.  Had man been complete they would not have fallen or truly discovered their need for God.  Our Father in Heaven is proud of we who endure to the end and obtain the crown He awards to those who make it.  He not only allows trials but in many cases arranges them to help make us strong (James 1:2-4, Romans 8:17). 

11 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.

Hopefully this portion speaks to your heart.  Jesus is saying, “I died for you and if you are willing to die for the kingdom of God you are an overcomer and will not be hurt by the second death, the horror of hell and the lake of fire.  You might not have to give your life for the Gospel of Christ, but you should be prepared if He considers it important.  There are several scriptures that say we may be offered up for this honor (Psalm 44:22, Acts 8:32, Romans 8:36).  Luke 12:31-34 shows one key to this honor.  Are you ready to use it?

Pergamos

12 And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write; These things saith he which hath the sharp sword with two edges;

A few verses speak of the two edged sword.  In Judges 3:14 God raised up Ehud to kill the king of the Moabites, an evil bloated man who made their life miserable.  Ehud, who had a crippled hand, stuck the sword into the king’s belly and scripture says, “The dirt came out.”  The Moabites were family to the children of Israel but had chosen to serve the devil rather than God.  Ultimately they were destroyed but in this case God used a two edged sword to cleanse the immediate future of Israel.

Used incorrectly a two edged sword is said to be as bitter as wormwood and will bring you down to the grave.  This is the fate of one who follows after a forbidden woman (Proverbs 5:4).  The allowed woman is wisdom, the forbidden one is folly.  A two edged sword ALWAYS kills.  It is ALWAYS violent.  It will pierce you and rend you in pieces.  In some ways this is beneficial as in the death of the king of Moab which delivered the Jews, or as in Hebrews 4:12 where it says the Word of God separates the very parts of our life, soul and spirit, and forces us to discern and mature in our thoughts and intents.  In that case the sword of God’s Word will birth the true strength and holiness of God’s Word within us and destroy the pettiness of the flesh.

Christ’s warning to Pergamos is that they must be willing to allow His two edged sword to separate wheat from chaff and truth from the lies of Satan.  Are you ready to be so searched by Jesus that you will embrace the truth of the Word and walk in it?  Paul did.  He forsook all and endured the hardships of the true path and loss of acclaim he had worked so hard to develop with the Jews.  Peter declared to Jesus that they had left all to follow Him (Mark 10:28).  It took a two edged sword to prepare these men to endure the death and rebirth required to obey God faithfully.  Scripture says the Word of God is living and powerful and sharper than any two edged sword and that it pierces to the dividing in two of soul and spirit.  God needs us to know where flesh ends and spirit begins so we will know how to follow faithfully.

13 I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, even where Satan's seat is: and thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth.

The Greek word Pergamos means a citadel, a fortress.  Pergamum (the feminine form) means city of the serpent.  The church in Pergamum is a Citadel, a fortress where the Christians stood strong against the onslaught of the devil.  It also means the city of serpents and this reflects that there are those around the church who desire to see the church fall just like there are in many areas of the world today.  One man, Antipas, allowed the sword of the Spirit to build his strength until he was able to stand for Christ and it cost him his life.  The church stood following his death and God declared them both to be faithful.  Wherever Satan dwells there will be persecutions and trials in abundance for the faithful of God.

Notice it says that Jesus knew their works.  A well known evangelist from long ago, Smith Wigglesworth, used to say, “Faith is an act.”  Faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen.  When God told the children of Israel to cross the Jordan, the priests foot had to step into the swirling water before it began to pile up in heaps on the uphill side and run dry on the downhill.  Perhaps your act will be to preach or teach or profess your love for Jesus while being threatened.  Has the sword of God cut you free from your doubts and fears?  Are you pruned and ready to take that mortal stand if required? 

14 But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumbling block before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication.

2 Chronicles 7:13-14 says, “If I shut up heaven that there be no rain, or if I command the locusts to devour the land, or if I send pestilence among my people; If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.”

Balac or Balak, another Moabite king, sought Balaam a prophet to curse the children of Israel.  He refused to speak any word that God had not given him but wanted the wealth and honor that was offered.  He realized that as long as Israel obeyed God they were safe and secure so he devised a plan to cause them to stumble before God until they were no longer protected (Numbers 31:16).  Have you ever met those who would cause you to stumble just to make you like them or so they could look down upon you?  Drug dealers offer free drugs to retake men and women who have kicked the habit.  Society makes it so hard for released convicts to get a job that they often return to crime.  These are just a few of Satan’s devices, tricks of Balaam, to make men and women fall. 

15 So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate.

Hand in hand with the spirit of Balaam was the doctrine of the Nicolaitans.  These polluted followers of the idea that sin wasn’t sin if Christians did it.  They traded wives and ate food offered to idols in direct contradiction of the counsels of the church leaders.  What they wanted was fire insurance to keep them out of hell without a responsibility to obey God in all His holiness.  Consider that this doctrine of “it doesn’t take all that” is one that pervades the body of Christ today.  Some believe that the gift of grace is so great that we no longer need worry about what God wants at all, that we can do as we desire and ask God for His love by grace.  This is a terrible sin and Jesus response to it is quite clear.  He says, “I hate it.”

16 Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth.

His final answer to it all is verse 16.  Repent or I will come QUICKLY and fight against those Nicolaitans with the sword of my mouth, the double edged sword.  I will cut the dirt out of them if they refuse to acknowledge the holiness of my Word and obey it.  He doesn’t say He will cleanse them or repair them.  He says he will FIGHT AGAINST THEM.  One does not fight a child.  You chasten a child.  You fight an enemy.  Do not choose to be an enemy of God.  You can not stand against Him.

17 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it.

The truly terrible thing about sin is that it causes you to be forever hungry.  It never says enough or that it has had its fill (Proverbs 30:15-16).  The hidden manna of God is such that you can be at peace and content where you are (Philippians 4:11, 1 Timothy 6:8).  John mentioned in 3 John that Diotrephes was never satisfied or content.  He would even kick those out of the church who would help John.  I have seen pastors who enjoyed the ministry of a particular teacher lose their churches because their bishop did not like them finding strength or encouragement from another.  It is pride and sin to believe that you alone hold the truth of God and that He does not reveal it to anyone else as powerfully as to you. 

This hidden manna might cost you everything.  It might cause you to be churchless, homeless and even lifeless.  It will make you content and joyful.  In this place of Satan’s seat it is important to know who you are and to be known for whose you are.  In Roman times men were given a white stone to gain admission to important events.  Jesus said the white stone would be engraved with your new name, a name that even you will only know by receiving it, reading it, accepting it and believing it. 

Have you ever wondered what your new name might be?  My last name means shepherd’s staff in German.  That means something to me.  Your name will be important to you because it is unique and has been awarded you by Christ.  There is only one other place in scripture where a white stone is mentioned.  In Revelation it speaks of the foundation stones of the New Jerusalem.  The first is Jasper (Redish), the second Sapphire (Blue) and the third is Chalcedony (White).  Jasper is the red of the blood.  Sapphire is the blue of the spirit and Chalcedony is the white of the purified children of blood and spirit.  He has cleansed them by His blood and the two edged Sword of the Spirit, the Word of God.  Then we have a name and then we may be part of His foundation.

The Seven Churches of Revelation - Ephesus

Ephesus

1 Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write; These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks (Revelation 1:16-20);

The previous verses state that the seven stars are the seven angels which are held in the hand of Jesus and the seven golden candlesticks are the seven churches.  The main problem is that the word translated angel in the verse means messenger, not specifically an angel or spiritual creation of God.  We know that stars were used to tell the story of redemption so the star reference may talk of a messenger bringing the words of Christ to the church.  The candlesticks or lampstands are the churches which should be set up tall to draw all mankind (Luke 11:33).  Notice it says that Jesus is the one who upholds us and gives us strength, not we ourselves.  He is the one who walks amongst all our churches.

Some scholars believe the ‘angels’ are the bishops of the various churches.  This point of view has some validity because over the centuries, bishops (and apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers and evangelists) would come and go, but the only thing keeping everything correct and in accordance with God’s will is the Word of God.  The idea that these ‘angels’ are actual angels has another problem.  Why would Christ chasten various angels for failing to keep the church serving, obeying or loving correctly.  They can hardly be held responsible for our unwillingness or inability to obey God perfectly.

No, the only thing that makes sense is that they are the bishops or leaders of individual churches or groups (denominations) and Christ is warning them to keep their doctrine, execution of His will and hearts pure and upright.  When you consider that no denomination or group or idealists are going to last forever, but God’s Word remains supreme, then this makes perfect sense.  As I said; bishops come and bishops go but the church, the body of Christ will continue.  There will always be a remnant that keeps His Word sacrosanct and will not allow it to be diluted or poisoned by this world’s rapidly changing moral climate.  As He says in Malachi 3:6, “I am the Lord and I change NOT.”  Jesus is the Lord.  He and His Father are one.  Jesus is the Word of God made flesh.  The Word is Eternal.  It is unchangeable.  It is perfect.  It alone brings life. 

What do I mean by all this?  Simply that God leads His church.  He holds the seven original churches in His hands and those seven churches, those seven types, those seven leanings make up the seven types of Christians, churches and religious lifestyles in the world throughout history.  From the time of Adam until now Satan has filled man’s days and nights with trickery, flattery and false promises to help us stumble while God has quietly tugged at the hearts of those precious few to establish His more noble leaders and workers of the truth.  Like the mixed multitudes from Egypt who followed Israel out of bondage and then caused them to waver in their determination to obey the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, there are always those who will consider taking shortcuts and adding bondages to the perfection of God’s Word.  It is to these souls that God speaks His warnings of love and concern.

2 I know thy works, and thy labor, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars: 3 And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name's sake hast labored, and hast not fainted.

There are always those who decry and weep over the evil that is in the world today.  They cannot stand the terrible pain and grief caused by those who would bend mankind’s will to their plans or perversions.  We have often heard the saying, “Try the word (of the one speaking) by the word (of God).”  We who serve God know His Word is perfect and entire.  There are always some who would malign this belief and call them fools or deluded dreamers.  This is especially true of those who find themselves in opposition to one or more rules or regulations found in the Word of God.  They will mock it or say it does not say what it patently does say until the whole matter is thoroughly muddy and then declare, “The Word of God is a farce!”  It is against these concerted attacks that God would speak to the beloved children of Ephesus, “Stand fast!”

They have stood the test of time and have continued to hold onto the proper doctrines and rules of God.  They have not allowed those tricky interlopers to taint, dilute or pollute God’s doctrine.  They are the guardians of truth and the bane of false rhetoric.  With tooth or claw, word and deed they continue to battle against all who would dare speak against the promises of God.  They have girded up their loins like men and fought for the scriptural truth.  They have endured.  They are like the fighter raising his hands after the battle, victorious but no longer innocent; still passionate for the truth but having forgotten the center of God’s passion in John 3:16…

“For God so loved…”

4 Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love.

We sing songs and quote scriptures devoted to the love and passion of God and we do not realize that we are no longer protecting the Word of God out of love for the lost and a desire to see them saved, but because we are the protectors.  We no longer do it because our love for God and His purposes drives us on, but because we would punish those who would sully or soil this perfect word.  We have strained at a gnat and swallowed a camel and it can choke the life out of us.  Our lives should be moved by statements like, “Love lifted me,” or “His love constrains me,” or “I love you with the love of God.”  We should not be angry and enraged because you who do not know the grace of God have offended us.  Love is greater than the offense.  Love constrained Christ to die for us while we were yet sinners.  Without love we become the offender. 

5 Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.

So, Ephesus was patient and hated liars and those who commit evil.  The response of Jesus seems by many to be excessive.  They are defending the faith and protecting the Word from those who seek to change its meaning.  Why then is Christ so angry?  Because they have forgotten why God came to them in the first place; to love.  We’re not talking about the passionate eros love of strange flesh and one night stands, but the true love, the agape love of God; the love that gives and nurtures rather than bows to lust.  Jesus didn’t march around with signs saying, “God Hates Liars, Thieves and Murderers.”  Where to we think saying, “God Hates Gays” is any more appropriate.  They forgot that even in sin, sinners are capable of embracing the gracious all giving love of God and having their hearts changed and redeemed.  God didn’t change our lifestyle overnight and we should give others the same opportunity to bow to His Word and mercy personally.

6 But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.

The Nicolaitans were a sect that was begun by a deacon named Nicolas.  He might be called the original “It doesn’t take all that” troubler of the New Testament.  A number of scholars state that he taught it was allowed to eat meat offered to idols, swapped wives (holding wives in common as has been put forth in several modern cults), and followed the acts of Baalim who caused Israel to sin by offering loose women and other gods for them to worship.

A sometimes quoted saying in churches is the idea that clean sheets can’t get each other dirty.  In other words, two saved people can’t really sin because they are both holy in Christ.  By this theory you can sleep with your brother’s wife because you are both saved and holy.  This idea is an abomination to God and part of the doctrine of the Nicolaitans.  I’m sure Nicolas wasn’t the first preacher to be loose with his morals but he certainly was one of the first to have his name entered in Christ’s hall of shame.

7 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.

Do you hear this statement of Christ?  To him that overcomes I will allow to eat of the tree of life.  The tree of the knowledge of good and evil was side by side with the tree of life in the Garden of Eden.  God never destroyed the garden but simply placed a true angel at the entrance so no man could enter there.  What we read here is that if we are as Ephesus and carefully watch and guard our hearts and the churches of God for true doctrine and do not allow it to be twisted within the church, and if we continue to treat even our enemies with love, then we will be allowed to eat of the tree of life.  Sadly, with Satan’s help we have managed to fail God badly and choose the knowledge of good and evil over eternal life.  One hopes we will choose more wisely this time.

For a greater study of their struggles read Paul’s letter to the Ephesians.

Honor Thy Spiritual Father and Mother

3 John (Amp)

1 THE ELDERLY elder [of the church addresses this letter] to the beloved (esteemed) Gaius, whom I truly love.

John was the oldest of all the disciples.  Jesus even hinted that he might never die (John 21:20-23) which was not the case but some of his disciples chose to believe that.  He did live longer than any other disciple and according to history died in 100 AD at advanced age.  He was rumored to have been boiled in oil and miraculously spared and was interred on the island of Patmos for many years.  Everyone knew that he was the disciple truly beloved of God. 

Tradition says that when John was very old and near death he was asked what is the most important part of the gospel of Jesus Christ.  He answered that it was love … agape.  Some may seek to picture John as a somewhat effeminate man who merely spouted words of love and tenderness.  In reality John was John ben Zebedee, one of the son’s of thunder.  He and his brother James were hard fighting fishermen who powerfully portrayed how the love and grace of God could change a heart and mold a life.

When Jesus was dying on the cross and his mother wept on the ground below, Jesus looked down at her and said, “Woman, behold your son,” and then looked at John and said, “Behold your mother.”  Of all his disciples, John alone did not flee; when the women went to the tomb and Mary Magdalene discovered the Lord’s body was missing she hurried to tell Peter and John of the miracle.  Of all the disciples who traveled with Jesus, none was more beloved of Christ and more likely to be heeded when he spoke.

2 Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in every way and [that your body] may keep well, even as [I know] your soul keeps well and prospers.

The King James translation of this verse says, “Beloved, I would that you prosper and be in health even as thy soul prospers.”  Many take that to mean that if your soul ‘spirit’ prospers then your body and finances will also.  In the Amplified it appears to be a prayer for health and wealth to keep pace with his already strong faith.  I tend to believe that it is indeed a blessing rather than a specific promise of good health following spiritual maturity.  I have known too many mighty saints of God who suffered ill health and poverty.  Jesus even told the poor and poverty stricken church in Smyrna (Revelation 2:8) that they were rich.  God does not promise that all of His children will be rich and live perfect lives in this world.  We will suffer persecutions and setbacks as we grow; in fact Jesus told the wealthy church of the Laodiceans, “Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked (Revelation 3:17).”  Wealth is no indicator that you are ‘doing it right.’ 

3 In fact, I greatly rejoiced when [some of] the brethren from time to time arrived and spoke [so highly] of the sincerity and fidelity of your life, as indeed you do live in the Truth [the whole Gospel presents]. 4 I have no greater joy than this, to hear that my [spiritual] children are living their lives in the Truth.

Consider this statement of John’s.  He has no greater joy than to hear that his spiritual children live their lives in the truth.  Do you?  Are you blessed to know that those you have poured your heart into are prospering, possibly more than you?  We ought to be comfortable enough with our faith to trust God even when our spiritual children far surpass us.  I recall a story I heard about a man in a shoe store who used to pray for and witness to those who came in.  He ministered to a man who ministered to another man who inspired another man who won another man to the Lord.  That last man became a famous evangelist.  Sadly, I do not recall which modern evangelist that is; but you must ask yourself if you would be comfortable pouring your all into every life you come in contact with in the hopes that they will one day supersede you?

My late Apostle, Joseph L. Sims was one such man and as such I cannot think of anyone greater in that respect.  He reached out to fools and pimps, addicts and losers, preachers and actors.  His most powerful weapon was his humble grace and the ability to offer a strong arm and tender heart to all who he met.  I will admit that he was also able to deliver a swift kick or sharp rebuke when needed as well, but was quick to give grace to the repentant.  He was wounded many times over the years and never allowed it to interfere with the dispensation of God’s love and deliverance.  If he had a creed it was to make godly men out of those only God could love.  He was good at it.  I am proud to call him my father in the gospel.  I can hear him calling from heaven, “Come on son, you can do it!”

5 Beloved, it is a fine and faithful work that you are doing when you give any service to the [Christian] brethren, and [especially when they are] strangers.

How about this?  Do you consider it a fine and faithful work to offer help and finances to those who are actively doing the work of God in areas and ways that you are not able?  If you are a preacher, are the tithes you receive for you alone or are you always thinking of ways to bring help to the poor around you?  The last part of this, “…especially when they are strangers,” is most telling.  Strangers come and go.  They are not likely to be able to reciprocate with you and bless you in turn.  They come and go at the behest of the Lord and you may not see them again.  Are you willing to bless those who work passionately and tirelessly for the Lord knowing full well you will never receive anything in return?  The best you might hope for in this circumstance is a hearty, “Well done thou good and faithful servant.”  Is it enough?

6 They have testified before the church of your love and friendship. You will do well to forward them on their journey [and you will please do so] in a way worthy of God’s [service].

Apparently Gaius was one such leader of God’s people.  He was always quick to bless those who passed through on their way to minister God’s Word in virgin territory.  Notice that John says he does well to do so.  The word ‘well’ is kalos which means to leave no room for blame.  This is in spite of the vast number of people who would find fault.  He will discuss them later in this letter. 

7 For these [traveling missionaries] have gone out for the Name’s sake (for His sake) and are accepting nothing from the Gentiles (the heathen, the non-Israelites). 8 So we ourselves ought to support such people [to welcome and provide for them], in order that we may be fellow workers in the Truth (the whole Gospel) and cooperate with its teachers.

In the amplified version “Name” is capitalized because it refers to more than the sound of a name just as Jesus, Christ and Lord mean more than the sound of those words.  In KJV it says, “…his name’s sake.”  Name here is autos which carries the idea of presenting all that the name means, not merely identifying an individual.  The word ‘sake’ is hyper which means to go above and beyond.  These traveling missionaries are not merely telling a tale of God’s love; they are carrying that love, that power and that vision to all who will hear.  They are going above and beyond for the purpose of exemplifying the Word of God to the lost heathen.  They are presenting the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the Ending, the First and the Last, Which was and which is and which is to come; our Lord and Savior Jesus, the Christ. 

Defining all these attributes is only the beginning of what these brave ministers endeavored to bring to the lost souls in the pagan world.  To make sure they win as many as possible they refuse to so much as receive an offering from those they reach.  The church was supposed to send them out and the church was supposed to support them.  If we do not support these who go out and do the work then we have no part or honor in the work they are doing.  Preaching to the lost is the best and greatest work of any ministry; well above merely feeding the born again sheep.

9 I have written briefly to the church; but Diotrephes, who likes to take the lead among them and put himself first, does not acknowledge my authority and refuses to accept my suggestions or to listen to me.

John was the ‘beloved disciple’ of scripture.  None was closer to Jesus, not even Peter who often appeared to be the bold brash little brother who always tagged along and occasionally got in the way.  When Jesus asked Peter who he believed Jesus was he said, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God (Matthew 16:13-18).”  There is no doubt that Peter had faith along with his impetuosity, but though that faith, that rock of certainty would be used to build the church, he was never the ‘beloved disciple.’  Everyone who believed in Christ knew that John was one of the great and most senior apostles.  When he wrote you a letter, you listened. 

Diotrephes was apparently a local elder or pastor of a church near Gaius.  Paul desired him to assist these traveling missionaries which would have meant putting them up for a few nights and possibly giving them a few shekels to tide them over.  Diotrephes was that pastor who believed that he spoke for God more powerfully than anyone else.  John was a very gracious man by this time.  His rough edges had mostly been filed down and he sought to bring God’s grace and mercy to all mankind.  Even so, this gracious man knew the authority in which he walked. 

In John 15:7 he wrote, “If we abide in Christ and His word abides in us, we can ask whatever we will and it will be done for us.”  Did anyone abide more in Christ and His Word than John?  You might suggest Paul who wrote most of the New Testament or James or Jude who were actually Jesus’ brothers, but in truth, John was the truly BELOVED disciple.  He had a position that was unique and knew it.  He cared for and protected the Lord’s mother.  He was the one who lay at Jesus breast during the final supper.  When such a one makes a suggestion either through letter or face to face, you ought to consider what that suggestion will mean to your future in God should you make the wrong choice. 

Proverbs 11:24 says that a man can scatter abroad and have much increase while one who withholds more than is fitting will starve.  Diotrephes chose to withhold, to mock John and scorn his authority.  In the parable of the wicked husbandmen (Luke 20:9–19, Mark 12:1–12, and Matthew 21:33–46), it tells of those who are hired to perform a task and to provide rent to the landlord.  This hireling in his greed abuses the servants of the landlord and eventually murders his beloved son.  They supposed that the landlord was weak and ineffectual, unable to defend his own property.  In our case God’s son prayed for us while we were killing Him.  He took up our cause and prayed for our souls to be forgiven.  He paid the entire deadly price for our salvation and left his beloved disciple to assist in establishing the church.

Scripture says that the power of life and death is in the tongue.  The more we grow in Christ, the more we can be trusted to use the power of God wisely, the more this is true for us individually.  Diotrephes, like many in authority today, had forgotten from where his authority derived.  He did not really believe that at one word from John, God might dispatch a legion of angels to defend his servant’s honor.  The Son of God had already been killed for the salvation of mankind.  Does it seem wise for this man to mock or ignore one who was His most beloved friend upon the earth?

10 So when I arrive, I will call attention to what he is doing, his boiling over and casting malicious reflections upon us with insinuating language. And not satisfied with that, he refuses to receive and welcome the [missionary] brethren himself, and also interferes with and forbids those who would welcome them, and tries to expel (excommunicate) them from the church.

John’s description of Diotrephes is a pot beginning to boil over with his own selfish pride and arrogance.  It was not enough for him to simply tell John he couldn’t help him at this time.  He chose to allow his pride to run his mouth and began to speak evil of John and cast aspersions against him falsely.  Perhaps he told his people that he was closer to Jesus than John or that John was sinning against God and it was his responsibility to bring that failure out.  Whatever his thoughts on this matter, John was neither fearful or uncertain of how to meet this threat to the body of Christ.

Sadly, he did not stop there but even threatened to excommunicate all who would help those John had sent.  He even went so far as to attempt this against those with a love of God and John.  Have you ever known anyone like this…someone who believed they knew better than anyone what God desired in any given situation and would fight to make sure they were obeyed?  I have and it was not pretty.  Hear what John said about these situations. 

11 Beloved, do not imitate evil, but imitate good. He who does good is of God; he who does evil has not seen (discerned or experienced) God [has enjoyed no vision of Him and does not know Him at all

There are pulpits all over the world filled by men of God who love Jesus’s Word and await His appearing.  There are also pulpits around the world that are filled with men of pride, hatred and a desire to see the kingdom of God made over in their image and personal vision.  Satan began this when he believed himself to be equal with God.  He now seeks to continue his blasphemy in the hearts and minds of mankind.  In many cases he is hugely successful.  These men do not know God at all and He does not know them.  This does not stop them from insisting they alone know how we must approach God and obtain salvation.

TRUST IN THE LORD?

Proverbs 3:5-6 ESV - Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths

This verse may well be one of the very first I ever memorized and it has given me great comfort over the years.  Whatever language you understand and whatever version you prefer, you should know this verse by heart.  In the past few weeks as I studied the book of Job I came to one conclusion; we are gnats living at the whim of a giant of unfathomable knowledge, wisdom and holiness.  He is not moved by our ignorance except to feed us knowledge.  He is not moved by our pain except to offer us love and a direction away from that pain.

All Job’s friends offered him wonderful advice following Man’s wisdom about God and of the four of them, the three oldest and wisest were wrong.  Job had not sinned.  He did not deserve what happened to him.  There was no handy scriptural formula or pattern that could lift their friend up from his current position of grief and restore his fortunes.  For his part, Job was incensed that they would keep demanding that he acknowledge his faults and admit to the sin they KNEW must be there.  Job had kept the faith and had not sinned against God in word or deed; a miraculous event in itself.  If he had a fault it was to cry out, “I have not fallen short!”  That led God to censure him for his pride.

The fourth man was a young man and he of the four did not blame Job for his sins.  He was far more angry with the other three for failing to offer any help to Job in his circumstances.  Of the four, he alone did not warrant a chastening from God.  The others were so certain of their righteous understanding that they failed to acknowledge that there might be some wisdom, deep wisdom, that God had not chosen to reveal to them.  God’s insistence that they offer a sin offering through Job was a complete slap in the face to their pride and arrogance. 

I feel like the fourth man.  I know we are not perfect and never insist that I have perfect and flawless knowledge of God’s Word.  I have learned enough to know that there are many levels to knowledge in God’s Word and I have just scratched the surface.  When I hear someone say, “It doesn’t take all that to serve God,” I know that they have completely missed the depth and holiness of God’s Word. It truly is living and powerful and sharper than any two edged sword.  I may die for my faith but as long as I live I will live for it as well.

I love how God sought Job’s input on the creation of the universe.  “Tell me little man if you can, how did you stand the earth on it’s pillars and set the stars in place (Job 38:3).”  Job’s answer is priceless,  “Lord, I’m just going to sit here with my hand over my mouth and SHUT UP! (Job 40:3-5)”  This is often a wise decision that should be copied by all the earth.  You may not understand God and what He is doing in the earth today, but He expects your total faith, obedience and adherence to His Word, whether you know why things are happening or not. 

Job 1:6 Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan also came among them. 7 The Lord said to Satan, “From where have you come?” Satan answered the Lord and said, “From going to and fro on the earth, and from walking up and down on it.” 8 And the Lord said to Satan, “Have you considered my servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, who fears God and turns away from evil?” 9 Then Satan answered the Lord and said, “Does Job fear God for no reason?”

It appears that the angels present themselves to God at regular intervals, perhaps on a yearly basis.  Notice that they are called the “Sons of God, Ben Elohim.”  Some have tried to say that this referred to the line of Seth the son of Adam but in reality Seth was not Ben Elohim but Ben Adam, son of Adam.  Only angels were called the sons of God until after the crucifixion of Jesus when we too were redeemed and could be called the sons of God.  Prior to that point all mankind – except for Adam – were called ben Adam.  Only Adam was ben Elohim because he was a direct creation of God.  After the fall it only applied to angels until Jesus came and redeemed us to God.

You can hear a note of curiosity in God’s question to Satan, “Have you considered my servant Job?”  Satan “the accuser” answered, “Why shouldn’t Job serve you faithfully.  You have him hedged and protected from all harm.”  Satan was once Lucifer, the brightest angel of great light.  His pride darkened his vision and now he can only see things through that pride and anger.  Angels have free will just as we do.  Do you stop to consider that God must work with angels as well?  Isn’t it possible that even the Angels must be trained and taught?  We wrongly tell ourselves that we are the center of God’s universe when we might well be a poor neighborhood with a high crime rate; a slum in effect.  He has a universe of life and light and we may well be just a small part of that universe.  

Stop screaming.  I know most of us believe we are the greatest creation of God and this universe is all ours.  Perhaps, but there is no certainty of that.

In Job Satan once again questions the honor of God, “Doth Job serve you for nothing?   Notice Genesis 3:1 where Satan works to seduce Eve,

“Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the Lord God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden?”

Hath God said…?  What is the main challenge from those who want to disbelieve scripture?  You hear it time and time again, “Is the Bible real?”  “Is the Bible true?”  “Is homosexuality wrong?”  “Is stealing wrong?”  It is only a step or two from “Thus saith the Lord,” to “Did He really?” to “It doesn’t take all that.”  Men and women now actively insult and mock a God they say they do not believe in and yet when they really want to curse someone they choose the name of God.  Even in homosexual relationships there is always a masculine and a feminine partner.  Our sexuality was preordained from the garden of God in Eden.  Even when we try to change our passions through abominable practices we still are drawn by the Word of God to truth, even if it is a false symbol of truth. 

Psalm 44:22 KJV Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.  In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.

Live before God according to SCRIPTURE and He will direct, guide and make straight your paths.  This doesn’t say you will always enjoy the path He has you on.  Jesus didn’t.  You might ask yourself why you are led in a particular life direction but if it is scriptural and godly then let God direct you.  He has preordained your path and your provision.  Walking with the Lord is a growth process.  He is not concerned if you don’t use all your gifts immediately as long as you are willing to press into them and gradually grow into your complete purpose. 

If we judge ourselves by others we may feel good about ourselves or bad depending on who you observe.  If you judge yourself against God you will always acknowledge your weaknesses, flaws and dependence on Him.  This is just fine with God.  Where we are weak, He is strong.  Not leaning on God is considered a lack of faith.  Failing to trust in Him is sin as well.

Isaiah 53:7 KJV He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth.

Jesus had a powerful reason to release His life and comfort…your salvation.  God certainly could have protected Dr. Martin Luther King or more recently Pastor / Senator Pinckney.  There may come a time when your death will win more souls and progress the purpose of God to a greater degree than simply dying of old age.  Are you willing to be so spent?  I suppose it would grieve me to know that my death would do more good than my life, but I am still hopeful that I am somewhat centered on the path God has for me.  As an individual, I want to see God do more with me…selfishly I suppose.  In Christ I am willing to spend and be spent for the gospel sake. 

Acts 8:29 KJV Then the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join thyself to this chariot. 30 And Philip ran thither to him, and heard him read the prophet Esaias, and said, Understandest thou what thou readest? 31 And he said, How can I, except some man should guide me? And he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him.—32 The place of the scripture which he read was this, He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; and like a lamb dumb before his shearer, so opened he not his mouth: 33 In his humiliation his judgment was taken away: and who shall declare his generation? for his life is taken from the earth.

Should we do less?  God considered this passage of greater importance to the eunuch than any other.  It was so important that He supernaturally transported a preacher to explain it to him.  Jesus was led as a sheep to the slaughter and did not open His mouth to call down the angels to defend Him.  That call was His right.  If you had the right to speak an end to someone, would you use it?  Wisely?  Without error?  Would you know the heart of that man or woman you ordained to die?  I don’t think so.  This is why God will often keep us in those places of trial and pain until we cry out, “Not my will but thine be done Lord!”  Then He knows you have given all.  If you curse Him and rail against His plan for your life it won’t stop Him from working on you.  It will however let Him know you aren’t ready for release yet.  You need more time in the slow cooker.

Back to the above scripture.  God for His own reasons informed the Eunuch that Jesus had not died permanently as was supposed and that He would return again.  Why would this be so important to God and the Eunuch?  I have an idea but for now remember, God never does anything for frivolous reasons.  He always has a powerful purpose.  There is reason enough to believe that God will still do this today for reasons important to His plan.

Romans 8:35 KJV Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? 36 As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. 37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.

Shall we do less?  Once again I ask the question.  Should we do less than Jesus?  When Jesus met Nathaniel He told him that He saw him in the spirit praying to god.  Nathaniel said, “You are the son of God.”  Jesus answer was, “Because I said unto thee, I saw thee under the fig tree, believest thou? thou shalt see greater things than these (John 1:50).”  As the body of Christ we are supposed to be walking miracles.  Our lives should be surrendered to His Word to the point that God will give a quiet unction and we will move immediately or as the Word says, “suddenly.” 

We are kings and priests.  Kings rule.  Priests intercede.  The body of Christ ought never be powerless and defeated.  I remember watching movies as a kid where they would burn a witch or an evil person.  That person would curse them and speak terrible imprecations against the one who punished them.  The most you might do to me is to kill me and I promise you this; if you do, God will have something powerful to say about it.  Revelation speaks of the tribulation saints crying out from under the altar, “Lord, where is our justice (Revelation 6:10)!  The day of grace was over and the day of the vengeance of our God had begun.

Psalm 116:12 What shall I render unto the Lord for all his benefits toward me? 13 I will take the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the Lord. 14 I will pay my vows unto the Lord now in the presence of all his people. 15 Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.

God does not take your life OR death lightly.  You are not God and may never understand His complete ways.  God is eternal.  Even He cannot remember a time when He did not exist.  Life in Christ requires a sacrifice just as it required a sacrifice for Jesus Himself.  Roman’s chapter eight is one of the greatest chapters in the Bible.  In verses 16-18 God said,

“16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: 17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint- heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. 18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.”

Just how much authority does your flesh have over your joy, happiness and self worth?  Does your spirit rule or your flesh and passions?  We live in a dangerous world and yet for the one who is bought by the blood of the Lamb of God it is safe and secure.  You might lose your life, but it will only cause you to gain it eternally.  I hope you will understand that while trials and tribulations come they are not to cause us any terror or sudden fear (1 Peter 3:6). 

I wrote this lesson after hearing dozens of men and women cry to me about their pain and sorrow and wondered why God didn’t do something.  He has His reasons.  That may well be the only comfort you will have.  There is more than enough TRUTH with a capitol T in the Bible to let you know it is truly the Word of God.  That said, you will still have to trust Him when all the lights are out and the heavens are brass.  I have great respect for those who have learned to serve God without prophetic gifts or major prophetic words in their lives.  Those people serve God based purely on what they read in the Bible and live victorious lives.  What would I have done in those circumstances? 

Beloved, having done all to stand, stand therefore.

Bishop J