Friday, December 1

I have this against you

Scripture: Revelation 2

Revelation 2:4 But I have this against you: You have departed from your first love!

Revelation 2:14 But I have a few things against you: You have some people there who follow the teaching of Balaam, who instructed Balak to put a stumbling block before the people of Israel so they would eat food sacrificed to idols and commit sexual immorality.

Revelation 2:20 But I have this against you: You tolerate that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess, and by her teaching deceives my servants to commit sexual immorality and to eat food sacrificed to idols.

Observation

“But I have this against you.” 

Jesus wrote letters to the 7 churches of Asia Minor. He commended them for certain things, but also rebuked them for others. Three of the four churches in this chapter drew a rebuke: “But I have this against you.”

The church at Ephesus had left its first love. This could be its love for God or people or both. Jesus called them to remember the height from which they had fallen, repent and redo their first deeds. 

The church at Pergamum had people who were encouraging members to eat food sacrificed to idols and commit sexual immorality, things that the elders in Jerusalem had specifically instructed Gentile Christians to avoid (Acts 15:29). They were being shaped by the culture. Jesus called them to repent or He would come and make war with them!

The church at Thyatira likewise had people encouraging members to eat food sacrificed to idols and commit sexual immorality. Jesus called them to repent or face terrible consequences. Cultural absorption is deadly.

Application

What would Jesus write to the church in America? To our church? To me? What does He have against me?

I’m asking that question today in prayer and listening. I believe that Jesus’ rebuke or correction comes from love—He wants the best for me, for us. “Wounds from a friend can be trusted.” (Proverbs 27:6) Jesus “wounds” us to heal us. So it’s worth asking, “Lord, do you have anything against me? Any rebuke or correction that I need to hear.” 

Prayer: Lord, I know that I can’t live in this culture without absorbing some values and attitudes and actions, just like those early believers in Ephesus, Pergamum or Thyatira. I welcome your correction. Speak to me.

More: Job 38-39, Psalm 139, Romans 7