He has spoken to us about victory. In preparing yourself for Good Friday and Easter Day why not read again the early chapters of the Book of Revelation? Recently I revisited the seven short letters to the churches that are found in Revelation, chapters 2 and 3. Each letter has a powerful, warning message, but I urge you to search for the wonderful promises to those who are victorious for Christ.
Two churches (Smyrna and Philadelphia) receive warm commendation from the Lord, but five (Ephesus, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, and Laodicea) do not. Two have victory, but five have known defeat.
The church at Smyrna (Revelation 2:8-11) faced persecution, slander, and poverty but they remained truly ‘rich’ as they lived victoriously in Christ despite everything. Jesus promised them ‘the crown of life’, the laurels of victory! That same crown can be yours, and mine too!
The church at Philadelphia (3:7-13) was affirmed by the Lord because they had kept his word and had not denied his name, even though they had ‘little strength’ to call their own (v. 8). Notice the promise in verse 12: the overcomer, the victor, will be made a ‘pillar in the temple of my God’. How we long to be victors in Christ! It can be done!
The church at Ephesus (2:1-7) had a liking for hard work and refused to tolerate false teaching, but they had forsaken their ‘first love’ and were now commanded to ‘do the things you did at first’ (v. 5). They are given a wonderful promise: ‘To him who overcomes, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life’ (v.7). There is eternal life if we are victorious! It is offered to us all!
The church at Pergamum (2:12-17) had stood firm in persecution, but had allowed false teaching to infiltrate their ranks. Again, the Lord holds out a gracious promise of ‘manna’ (v.17) to believers who prove to be overcomers. He feeds those who find victory in him! You can enjoy this divine provision for the feeding of your soul!
The church in Thyatira (2:18-29) had made progress in many ways (v.19), but had permitted sexual immorality to creep into the membership (v.20). However, to those who remained victorious the Lord would give ‘authority over the nations’ (v.26) and ‘the morning star’ (v.28)! Jesus himself is ‘the bright Morning Star’ (22:16)! He gives us himself, to indwell us and keep us victorious! Let us open our hearts afresh to him!
The church at Sardis (3:1-6) was reported to be alive and well but was in fact dead (v.1). Jesus called upon them to repent. This time the Lord’s promise for the victorious ones is that they will be ‘dressed in white’ (v.5) and for the overcomer that the Lord ‘will acknowledge his name before my Father and his angels’ (v.5). O, how we long for victory, in order to be claimed by Jesus as one of his very own!
Finally, the church at Laodicea (3:14-22) was ’neither cold nor hot’ (v.15). They lacked true passion. Without Spirit-filled passion there is no victory. Again the Lord is gracious and ready to forgive, for he promises to the victorious one ‘the right to sit with me on my throne’ (v.21). Imagine it! Imagine the honour of sitting beside Jesus in Glory! It is the destiny of those who know victory in Christ! It is our destiny!
I am praying that you and I will know victory in Jesus day by day, and that we will go on to claim the incomparable rewards for all who are true to him .
The Lord bless you and keep you.
In Christ!
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