To Pergamum: Don’t Compromise with the World
Note from Jesus Dear Servant of God, Tolerance and compromise can be a way to prevent conflict. Tolerance and compromise can be a politician’s tool to bridge differences between political rivals. Tolerance and compromise are often seen as rational solutions to allow multicultural differences to coexist in a diverse culture. Tolerance and compromise can become a way My people try to hold onto their faith in Me without offending those around them. While there is a time and there is a place for tolerance and compromise in general society, you must know that there is never a time or a place for them concerning your faith. My disciples in Pergamum faced a horrible choice: renounce me and embrace the idolatrous practices of their culture or face ostracism, prejudice, persecution, and possibly even martyrdom. What was the cost of their loyalty to Me? Antipas lost his life because he would not renounce his faith in Me. My followers in Pergamum knew the consequences of their faith. They lived in the provincial capital. They were surrounded by all sorts of idol worship. The massive altar of Zeus, in a temple precinct high on a neighboring hill, was filled with idols to the pantheon of Roman gods. In addition, the temple of Asclepios, the god of healing, was well known throughout Asia Minor and much of the rest of the Mediterranean world. As the seat of the Roman provincial government, the emperor cult was strong, and loyalty to Emperor Domitian was enforced at many public activities. My followers lived in a place where “Satan, the adversary, has established his throne.” The believers refused to renounce their faith in Me. I applaud them for their courage and steadfastness. They “stayed true to My name” and “did not deny” their “trust in Me”! Living as My disciples in Pergamum was extremely dangerous. How would they navigate life and faith when nearly all they did would normally be connected in some way with idolatry, false gods, and immorality? Unfortunately, some disciples found their solution by practicing tolerance and compromise. They succumbed to the sin of Balaam and Balak (Numbers 22:1-38). Some entered into sexual relations with cult prostitutes and celebrated idolatrous feasts, as had been done on occasion by the Israelites (Numbers 25:1-4). The Nicolaitans offered a creative solution. As “spiritual people,” they claimed to know that idols aren’t real gods. They decided that the food, the festivities, and the sexual immorality of idol worship really don’t pollute their spirits. So they claimed Me as their Savior, but they took part in the idolatrous feasts and the temple sex. In actuality, however, by taking part in those pagan and idolatrous practices they were corrupting themselves and tainting My Body, the church (1 Corinthians 6:12-20; 1 Corinthians 10:18-21). The Pergamum believers’ compromise with the world contaminated My truth and falsified their discipleship. If they refused to repent — to “change your ways and turn to Me” — then I had no choice. If they were going to fear the sword of Rome and trust the wisdom of their great works of philosophy urging moderation and compromise, then I would come and “battle them with the sword of My mouth”! I would “quickly come” and battle them with My “sharp double-edged sword” bringing truth and judgment (Revelation 1:16; Revelation 19:15). Such tolerance of immorality and compromise with it corrupted My grace (Galatians 1:6-10; Romans 6:1-17). Such tolerance and compromise resulted in “a mockery of the grace” that I paid such a high cost to give to you. The disciples’ perversion of grace focused on turning Our grace into “a pretext for a life of excess, lived without any thought of God” (Jude 1:4). Persecution and martyrdom can be awful consequences of your faith in Me. I do not want My people to suffer. However, tolerance of the world and compromise with the world have far worse consequences. I want you to hear clearly the message I shared with My followers in Pergamum. I want you to examine your life and the way so many claiming to be My followers have compromised with the world chasing false gods, participating in immoral parties, and readily accepting sexual immorality as a way of life. You cannot claim My name and share in these compromises to fit into your culture. I know it is hard to be faithful in such difficult circumstances, but I am calling you to this kind of faithfulness. Remember, however, that faithfulness to Me brings great blessing. You will be given an invitation (“white stone”) to the greatest party of all time, My messianic wedding banquet (Revelation 19:1-9). Your invitation will have the special name of one chosen to come to My great feast (“hidden manna”). You will share in My joy, healing, and victory with Me forever! Verses to Live Faithfulness is more than confessing My name; you must put your life where your mouth is without compromise (Matthew 7:21-23). When you do, beloved, your future and your eternal joy are safeguarded with Me and the Father in heaven (Colossians 3:1-4). The One [Jesus]: Write down My words, and send them to the messenger of the church in Pergamum. “These are the words of the One with the sharp double-edged sword: “I know your deeds and where you live. It is where Satan, the adversary, has established his throne. You have stayed true to My name, and you did not deny your trust in Me even in the eventful days of My faithful witness, Antipas. He was killed among you in that place where Satan dwells. “However, I have a few matters against you: some who live among you hold to the teaching of Balaam, who instructed Balak to set up a stumbling block before the people of Israel. As a result, some among you are eating food prepared for idol worship and committing immoral sexual acts. You have others who are holding firm to the teaching of the Nicolaitans. Therefore, change your ways and turn
To Smyrna: True Victory in Affliction
Note from Jesus Dear Beloved, Your world can be a brutal place for good people. I never promised My disciples that life would be easy and without problems. People persecuted Me and opposed Me, and they are going to do the same with My followers (John 15:18; Matthew 10:22; Matthew 24:9). Some would do it even thinking that they were honoring God. I didn’t promise you an easy life free of difficulties as My disciple. I did promise My early disciples and you something even greater: I promised that I would share My victory with them and with you when I said: “I have told you these things so that you will be whole and at peace. In this world, you will be plagued with times of trouble, but you need not fear; I have triumphed over this corrupt world order.” (John 16:33) When tough times come, remember Paul’s words written to My disciples in Rome: Now I’m sure of this: the sufferings we endure now are not even worth comparing to the glory that is coming and will be revealed in us. … If God is on our side, then tell me: whom should we fear? If He did not spare His own Son, but handed Him over on our account, then don’t you think that He will graciously give us all things with Him? Can anyone be so bold as to level a charge against God’s chosen? Especially since God’s “not guilty” verdict is already declared. Who has the authority to condemn? Jesus the Anointed Who died, but more importantly, conquered death when He was raised to sit at the right hand of God where He pleads on our behalf. So who can separate us? What can come between us and the love of God’s Anointed? Can troubles, hardships, persecution, hunger, poverty, danger, or even death? The answer is, absolutely nothing. As the psalm says, On Your behalf, our lives are endangered constantly; we are like sheep awaiting slaughter. But no matter what comes, we will always taste victory through Him Who loved us. For I have every confidence that nothing — not death, life, heavenly messengers, dark spirits, the present, the future, spiritual powers, height, depth, nor any created thing — can come between us and the love of God revealed in the Anointed, Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:18; Romans 8:31-39). I remind you of these great promises because My letter to the church at Smyrna is a painful letter to read. While I knew that the trials and persecution that they were facing were hard, I had to tell them the worst was yet to come. My letter wasn’t an easy message for Me to share with these precious disciples. Unfortunately, in an evil world there are times when My people will face unspeakably hard times before My deliverance changes their situation. Hard times are what My disciples faced in Smyrna. The beautiful city of Smyrna was beloved by the Roman emperors. Of course, the people there catered to the whims of Rome and the emperor. This vital city also was home to a large Jewish population that was popular in Smyrna because of Jewish support to beautify the city. My disciples in Smyrna were caught in the vise grip of the emperor cult and some in the Jewish community who hated them. My disciples were persecuted and even martyred in Smyrna. This church faced very hard times. That’s why I want you to notice some things about My letter to the church in Smyrna. The Holy Spirit will help you know how to apply My words to your world and your situation as you understand these important principles: First, I had no words of criticism or correction to My precious ones in this city. Their courage to hold onto faith under such pressure and opposition needed to be praised. They weren’t a perfect church, but they were faithful to me under great trial. Second, notice that I intimately knew this church and its circumstances. I knew what they were facing: “I know your deeds and the difficult ordeal you are enduring and your poverty, although you are actually rich. I am aware of the offensive accusations preached by those who call themselves ‘Jews.’” I knew their situation because I had been in similar situations myself. I had faced harsh criticism, rejection, persecution, and death. I was present with them as their Lord and Savior even during their suffering, trials, hardships, poverty, persecution, and martyrdom. Third, notice that I reminded them of Who I AM and what it means for them. I AM “the First and the Last, the One Who was dead and returned to life”! I have defeated death and brought immortality to light through My victory over sin, death, and hell (2 Timothy 1:10). They do not face their persecution or martyrdom alone (Hebrews 13:5). I gladly claim them as My brothers and sisters. I will never abandon them in any of their sufferings regardless of how circumstances may appear (Hebrews 2:14-18). I AM their pioneer (Hebrews 2:10-11; Hebrews 12:1-2), having blazed a trail through suffering and death to ensure their faithfulness leads them to ultimate victory (Hebrews 2:10-13; 2 Timothy 4:6-8). To you, beloved, I remind you of the strong exhortation I gave to them: be “one who conquers through faithfulness”! Be faithful whether your trials focus on temptations from the flesh, the allure of all that is false in your world, problems caused by the physical frailty of your mortal body, or harsh persecutions at the hands of those who hate you because of Me. Be faithful and the victory is yours! Verses to Live I so dearly loved the people of this church in Smyrna because of their commitment to be faithful. I AM proud of their faithfulness in the face of trials. So as you read My letter to them, remember, they were faithful through hardship. Will you be faithful through your trials? The One [Jesus]: Write down
To Ephesus: Return to Your First Love!
Note from Jesus Dear Precious Disciple, The world can be a bewildering place for you as you seek to live for Me in a culture controlled by the evil one. This environment was especially true for My disciples in Ephesus near the end of the first century. Their city was a melting pot of cultures, beliefs, and power. At the throbbing heart of Ephesus was an evil and idolatrous practice that threatened great harm to My beloved disciples. This dangerous practice began as brazen courting of the Roman Emperor’s favor. Over time, this courting grew into a cult that worshiped the Roman emperor. Emperor Domitian insisted that he be addressed as “lord and god!” This phrase was essentially the same title Thomas had used to confess Me after My resurrection! (John 20:28) My disciples could not honor Domitian, or any other person or image, with these words. When they went to the theater, bought meat in the market, tried to be part of a trade guild, or wanted to participate in political discourse, they could be asked to offer incense and make this confession about Domitian. They refused. They remained steadfast and faithful to Me. Domitian’s ego-stroking temple with his towering idolatrous image cast a foreboding shadow over this great city already awash in immorality, demonic magical arts, cult prostitution, greed, and slave trade. In Ephesus, along with the additional six towns I will address in other messages in the first part of Revelation, ostracism and persecution because of My disciples’ faith in Me were growing and becoming dangerous. My precious disciples in Ephesus had been blessed by the strong leadership over the years from the apostle Paul, Apollos, Priscilla and Aquila, and the apostle John. They had been warned about idolatry, immorality, and false teachers. They had persevered in good “deeds” and in “tireless labor.” They had opposed false teachers and false emissaries who were not “true witnesses.” They had endured hard times “patiently” while “holding firm on behalf of My name.” They opposed false teachers known as the Nicolaitans, whose deeds they despised. In so many ways, these Ephesian believers appeared to be exemplary disciples. However, they had lost the precious and vital central response to their faith. This loss was so great that I warned them that I would remove them from My presence if they did not correct their ways. No matter how many good deeds the Ephesian church did, no matter how many false teachers they rejected, no matter how much they faithfully endured, and no matter how tirelessly they labored, they were close to being removed as one of My churches. They had “abandoned” their “first love”! They had lost their deep and passionate love for Me, for each other, and for the lost around them. Without this love, their practices were mere religious exercises. Without this love, their zeal for the truth became little more than a self-righteous hatred of the practices around them and a self-righteousness about their differences from the people around them. My apostle, John, had tried in his letters to turn them from this loss of love (1 John 4:7-12; 2 John 1:4-6). Unfortunately, they didn’t heed his warnings. They had to hear from Me the futility of their efforts and endurance without love. You see, dear disciple, My goal for you is a return to the paradise the Father made for you. He wants you in a loving fellowship with Him, and He wants to remove any break between you and your fellow believers. He wants you in His life of love. I encourage you to be faithful. I urge you to resist idolatry. I want you to recognize and not follow false prophets. My will is for you to abstain from sexual immorality. I urge you to persevere in good deeds. However, don’t forget to do all of these in love. Love for me, love for each other, and love for the lost people in your world must be your motivation. As Paul said to the Ephesians many years earlier: [B]y truth spoken in love, we are to grow in every way into Him [Me, Jesus] — the Anointed One, the head. He joins and holds together the whole body with its ligaments providing the support needed so each part works to its proper design to form a healthy, growing, and mature body that builds itself up in love. (Ephesians 4:15-16) Verses to Live My precious disciple, I love you. I love My churches. I love my precious followers as you all struggle in the world often opposed to you and your values. So please hear this message to My Ephesian followers. The warning I gave them was not an idle warning. No matter how many good works you do, no matter how careful you are to teach the truth, and no matter what you endure, don’t lose your “first love”! Without love, all your actions eventually fall short of bringing My character and compassion to your world that so desperately needs both. “Everyone will know you as My followers if you demonstrate your love to others.” (John 13:35) The One [Jesus]: Write down My words, and send them to the messenger of the church in Ephesus. “These are the words of the One Who holds the seven stars in His right hand, the One Who walks and moves among the golden lampstands: “I know your deeds, your tireless labor, and your patient endurance. I know you do not tolerate those who do evil. Furthermore, you have diligently tested those who claim to be emissaries, and you have found that they are not true witnesses. You have correctly found them to be false. I know you are patiently enduring and holding firm on behalf of My name. You have not become faint. “However, I have this against you: you have abandoned your first love. Do you remember what it was like before you fell? It’s time to rethink and change your ways; go back to how
My Messages for My Churches
Note from Jesus Dear Disciple, The apostle Paul talked about My church as My body, with Me as its head (Ephesians 5:23; Colossians 1:18). His point was that the church is an organism, a living body getting its life-giving direction and coordination from Me. As John recorded in his gospel, I used the image of sheep and a shepherd (John 10:11-16) to make the same point. I AM alive forever and live to bless, lead, protect, empower, and direct the work of My people. What happens to My church, My people, happens to Me. In today’s verses, you will read about seven churches in Asia Minor and about a unique message I sent to each church. Even though these churches were located near to each other, each had its own situation with specific circumstances, problems, and opportunities. Over the years, My disciples have debated about the meaning of the seven churches. Most Bible students know the number seven represents perfection or completeness. So yes, these seven churches stand for My entire church and her needs. Some have talked about seven different eras and that each of these seven churches represents a different era in church history. Others point to the seven churches as the seven types of churches that are always in existence in the world at any given time. I want you to realize that these were seven actual congregations that existed at the end of the first century in Asia Minor, each facing very challenging circumstances. My words were first and foremost a message these churches needed to hear for their circumstances in their time. My messages to them were urgent and important. My chosen means of revealing these messages to them through the vision John saw of Me emphasizes that urgency. The commands to these churches were emphatic and pressing. They needed to respond to My messages, or they would cease to be My churches. Now you need to seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit to understand how you and your congregation should apply these messages. In The Apocalypse that you call the book of Revelation, I gave John a series of different sights, words, and sounds revealing Who I AM and what I do for My church. While I will identify Myself with a different image to each of these seven churches, the key image that stands over all seven churches and all seven letters is this one: When I [John] turned around to see what sort of voice this was that was addressing me, I saw seven golden lampstands. And among the lampstands, I saw One like the Son of Man… (Revelation 1:12-13) I revealed what I meant by seven lampstands with these words: …the seven lampstands are the seven churches themselves. (Revelation 1:20) I AM alive and move among My churches. I know what My churches do. I know how they are doing with their mission. I know who they are. I know what they need. I know if they are faithful, disloyal, persecuted, bordering on heresy, lukewarm, weak, arrogant, or passionate for Me and the work I have for them to do. You can pick up a commentary or study the Bible and find out how each letter is connected to the life and location of each congregation. So rather than go over that with you, I want you to read these seven letters several times. Ask the Spirit to help you hear My message for you in My letters to these seven churches. Verses to Live As you read these seven letters, notice how they are alike. Notice how they are different. Notice how I know everything about each congregation and the circumstances that congregation faces. Notice how I emphasize a different characteristic of My identity to each church and how each characteristic is tied to the message I share with them. Then realize this: I know about you and your church — house church, missional community, congregation, or group of believers with whom you meet. I care about what you do and how you live. The decisions you make and how you live My will before your neighbors matter. So find one or two churches in the verses below that seem to have similar problems to your congregation and similar opportunities. Then ask the Holy Spirit to help you apply My words of warning, encouragement, and comfort to your situation — both as an individual disciple and also as a part of the congregation. Letter to Ephesus The One [Jesus the Anointed]: Write down My words, and send them to the messenger of the church in Ephesus. “These are the words of the One Who holds the seven stars in His right hand, the One Who walks and moves among the golden lampstands: “I know your deeds, your tireless labor, and your patient endurance. I know you do not tolerate those who do evil. Furthermore, you have diligently tested those who claim to be emissaries, and you have found that they are not true witnesses. You have correctly found them to be false. I know you are patiently enduring and holding firm on behalf of My name. You have not become faint. “However, I have this against you: you have abandoned your first love. Do you remember what it was like before you fell? It’s time to rethink and change your ways; go back to how you first acted. However, if you do not return, I will come quickly and personally remove your lampstand from its place. But you do have this to your credit: you despise the deeds of the Nicolaitans and how they concede to evil. I also hate what they do. “Let the person who is able to hear, listen to and follow what the Spirit proclaims to all the churches. I will allow the one who conquers through faithfulness even unto death to eat from the tree of life found in God’s lush paradise.” Letter to Smyrna The One [Jesus the Anointed]: Write down My
My Patience is Your Salvation!
Note from Jesus Dear Child of God, You are not forgotten. You are not abandoned. Your prayers are not ignored. My coming is assured. My salvation for you is closer to you now than ever before. My glory is nearer to you today than you can imagine. Yes, your world is a tough place for faith and for My faithful ones. However, remember what I said in My Revelation to John: Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you life as your victor’s crown. Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. The one who is victorious will not be hurt at all by the second death. (Revelation 2:10-11 NIV) Hang in with Me in faith. Hang on with Me in hope. Trust that the Holy Spirit I poured out on you at your baptism (Titus 3:3-7) will strengthen and sustain you (Ephesians 3:14-21). My delay in coming is not because of unconcern or forgetfulness, but My patience is for salvation (2 Peter 3:9-15). Verses to Live Don’t waver in your faith. I am coming. Your job is to be faithful, trusting in the Holy Spirit to fill you and empower you to godliness, faithfulness, and endurance. Yes, I know, the times are evil, and faithfulness can be hard. But, dear child of God, My coming is nearer to you now than when you first believed! And now consider this. You know well the times you are living in. It is time for you to wake up and see what is right before your eyes: for salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed. The darkness of night is dissolving as dawn’s light draws near, so walk out on your old dark life and put on the armor of light. May we all act as good and respectable people, living today the same way as we will in the day of His coming. Do not fall into patterns of dark living: wild partying, drunkenness, sexual depravity, decadent gratification, quarreling, and jealousy. Instead, wrap yourselves in the Lord Jesus, God’s Anointed, and do not fuel your sinful imagination by indulging your self-seeking desire for the pleasures of the flesh. (Romans 13:11-14) So be careful how you live; be mindful of your steps. Don’t run around like idiots as the rest of the world does. Instead, walk as the wise! Make the most of every living and breathing moment because these are evil times. So understand and be confident in God’s will, and don’t live thoughtlessly. Don’t drink wine excessively. The drunken path is a reckless path. It leads nowhere. Instead, let God fill you with the Holy Spirit. When you are filled with the Spirit, you are empowered to speak to each other in the soulful words of pious songs, hymns, and spiritual songs; to sing and make music with your hearts attuned to God; and to give thanks to God the Father every day through the name of our Lord Jesus the Anointed for all He has done. And the Spirit makes it possible to submit humbly to one another out of respect for the Anointed. (Ephesians 5:15-21) So, my friends, while we wait for the day of the Lord, work hard to live in peace, without flaw or blemish; and look at the patience of the Lord as your salvation. (2 Peter 3:14-15) Response in Prayer O Father, I want to be found faithful when Jesus comes. I commit to endure and be faithful. I commit to serve Jesus and seek to save the lost as He did. I ask, however, that You strengthen me with your Spirit, galvanize my faith with Your word, and renew my hope each day with the anticipation of Jesus’ return. In His name, I hope, wait, and pray. Amen. ‘A Year with Jesus’ is written by Phil Ware. © 1998-2024, Heartlight, Inc. ‘A Year with Jesus‘ is part of the Heartlight Network.All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from The Voice™. © 2008 by Ecclesia Bible Society. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
In Your Difficulties, What Is Needed Most?
Note from Jesus Dear Disciple, When life crashes in… when the world is hostile and dangerous… when your faith is under attack… when your life is on the line, what is needed most? You need a clear vision of Me. You need to be reminded of Who I AM, what I have done, and Who I will be for you and with you in the future. That’s why I revealed Myself in a vision to John when he was confined to the island of Patmos because of his faithful service to me (Revelation 1:9). On a special Sunday, John did what he had done on the first day of the week ever since that first Sunday I appeared to him and other disciples after My resurrection (John 20:1-23). Only on this special Sunday, I gave him the “apocalypse”: “the revelation of Jesus the Anointed”! The book you call Revelation is an unveiling, a revealing of Me in My eternal glory. This was My message to John in vision form. It was shared with him to bless My people who were facing very difficult trials and persecutions. They needed to be assured their faith was not in vain. They needed to be assured that evil in its manifested forms, such as political propaganda, military might, and religious perversion, would be destroyed. However, what My people needed most was Me. They needed to know that I cared. They needed to know that I was still at work in history. They needed to know that the future was in My hands. They needed to know that I would act. They needed to know that I was there for them. So that is what I gave them through this revelation of Myself to John. As you read these verses, imagine John on the barren and harsh island of Patmos, separated from the churches and people he loved dearly. Imagine his concerns for these churches brought to Me in prayer on that Sunday morning. Now imagine his overwhelming encouragement to receive this vision, this reminder that I AM still connected to him and to those precious people undergoing persecution and that I AM always at work for their ultimate deliverance. Now try to imagine what he saw — this glorious vision of My glory. Join John and be amazed… reassured… and re-energized for your road ahead. Verses to Live Today’s verses record the beginning of John’s vision. The focus is on My glory. Open your imagination, rekindle your sense of wonder, and join John in the presence of My glory. Remember, even when you do not see Me, I AM… I AM still present… I AM still Lord… I AM still glorious. “I will never leave you or forsake you!” (Hebrews 13:5 NRSV) A Voice: [I am the Alpha and the Omega, the very beginning and the very end.] Make a book of what you see, write it down, and send it to the seven churches [which are in Asia]: Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea. When I [John] turned around to see what sort of voice this was that was addressing me, I saw seven golden lampstands. And among the lampstands, I saw One like the Son of Man right in front of me dressed in a long robe. Across His chest was draped a golden sash. His head and hair were pure white, white as wool and white as snow; His eyes blazed like a fiery flame; His feet gleamed like brightly polished bronze, purified to perfection in a furnace; His voice filled the air and sounded like a roaring waterfall. He held seven stars in His right hand, from His mouth darted a sharp double-edged sword, and His face shone a brilliant light, like the blinding sun. When I saw Him, I fell at His feet. It was as though I were dead. But He reached down and placed His right hand on me. The One: This is not the time for fear; I am the First and the Last, and I am the living One. I entered the realm of the dead; but see, I am alive now and for all the ages — even ages to come. Amen. I possess the keys to open the prison of death and hades. Now write down all you have seen — all that is and all that will be. Regarding the mystery of the seven stars you saw in My right hand and of the seven golden lampstands: the seven stars are the heavenly messengers who preside over the seven churches, and the seven lampstands are the seven churches themselves. (Revelation 1:11-20) Response in Prayer Lord Jesus, thank You! Thank You for always being the I AM on Whom I can depend. You are glorious, both in Your identity and in Your sacrifice. You are the perfect One to connect heaven’s glory to our earthly struggles. I worship You. I adore You. I am in awe of You. Amen. ‘A Year with Jesus’ is written by Phil Ware. © 1998-2024, Heartlight, Inc. ‘A Year with Jesus‘ is part of the Heartlight Network.All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from The Voice™. © 2008 by Ecclesia Bible Society. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
The Apocalypse
Note from Jesus Dear Precious One, During the first few decades after the completion of My incarnation on earth, sporadic persecution, seizure of properties, ostracism, prejudice, oppression, and executions were brought against My disciples. These persecutions were not throughout the Roman Empire, but there were several times of intense persecution tied to emperors of Rome. Nero was well known as a persecutor because of his power and time in history, as well as a number of events that happened under his rule. For example, there was the fire in Rome and his distaste for Christians as evidenced by the blaming of Christians for the fire and the subsequent execution of many of My disciples. Near the end of the first century, persecution erupted in Asia Minor connected to a cult that honored the emperor Domitian as “lord and god” — language almost identical to Thomas’ confession of Me after My resurrection (John 20:28). Some even hinted that Domitian was really Nero revived from the dead. Christians in Asia Minor — including in the cities listed at the end of your verses today — faced very difficult circumstances. My followers would call no one “Lord and God” but Me. Yet, any time they went to the market, visited the theater, went to their trade guild meetings, did business with the banks, or met politicians or members of the military in the street, they could be challenged to use those words to describe Domitian. When they refused, they faced severe reprisals as politicians in Asia Minor courted the favor and blessing of Domitian as they did with many emperors. The book of Revelation was written to give My disciples hope and remind them of their ultimate victory in Me. Over the next several days, we complete your journey through the New Testament. Our focus will be this Apocalypse: the message you now know as the book of Revelation. Because of his faith, My beloved disciple, John, was exiled off the coast of Asia Minor on the Isle of Patmos. I gave him this message on a Sunday. It was an unveiling or revelation in vision form that contained My message of encouragement to help the churches in Asia Minor as My precious people were facing hostility and persecution. The apocalyptic images of this book were well known when John wrote down this heavenly vision. The underlying message is pretty straightforward and clear. Unfortunately, this core message has often gotten lost in all the fascination with trying to identify the symbols and apply them to exact events and times in your day. The message basically is that Satan has used evil people to corrupt everything that humanity touches, especially places where humans come to power — for example, in the propaganda of politics, the use of the military, and the perversion of religion. In their corrupted form, the evil one has used these venues to mount pressure and persecution on My church and the people who are part of My family. Human and satanic powers were manipulating political agendas and propaganda, misusing the military, and corrupting religion. All these forces aligned to oppose My message, My church, and My people. The result was that the situation on earth looked bleak and hopeless when John received the Revelation. Yet, if My people remained faithful, they would share in My victory. The prayers of the martyrs and the persecuted were heard in heaven by the Father. The Spirit worked in the affairs of both human history and human powers to remove evil from its thrones of power. I would bring My people ultimate deliverance and victory. This cycle (evil people, alignment of powers, persecution, prayer for deliverance, and liberation) has been repeated down through history. Time is also moving toward an ultimate climax in which I will bring the final and ultimate victory for My church and her people. Evil will be banished. The evil one’s power to inflict hurt, damage, and death on My people will be stopped completely and eternally. The separation of the faithful from the Father’s throne will be removed. My people will enter into Our presence — the presence of the Father, Son, and Spirit. They will enjoy the blessings of unending life with Us in joyful fellowship and celebration. Today, we begin this last part of our year-long journey through the New Testament. Be blessed. Be faithful. Be confident. My resurrection guarantees your victory. My return guarantees your life, and your faithfulness will not be forgotten. My place in glory guarantees your joy will be unending. Verses to Live Read these verses slowly and carefully several times. Let the key words melt into your heart. Read these verses out loud. This is a book, an unveiling of My splendor and glory, that was written for your assurance and as a reminder that no matter when or where you live or how difficult the times, your victory with Me is assured and the evil that opposes and oppresses you won’t last. This is the revelation of Jesus the Anointed, the Liberating King: an account of visions and a heavenly journey. God granted this to Him so He would show His followers the realities that are already breaking into the world and soon will be fulfilled. Through His heavenly messenger, He revealed to His servant John signs and insight into these mysteries. John, in turn, gave witness to the word of God and to the glorious truth revealed about Jesus, the Anointed One, the Chosen Ruler, by carefully describing everything he saw. Blessings come to those who read and proclaim these words aloud; blessings come to those who listen closely and put the prophetic words recorded here into practice. The finale is approaching. I, John, to the seven churches in Asia: May you experience God’s favor and rest in the peace that comes from the One Who is, the One Who was, and the One Who is coming; from the seven Spirits, the Perfect Spirit, constantly before God’s throne; and
Glory Awaits!
Note from Jesus Dear Beloved, As My apostle Paul’s death grew near, he was confident of his deliverance as well as My return. Hear his beautiful words of faith: For I am already being poured out, and the last drops of this drink offering are all that remain; it’s almost time for me to leave. I have fought the good fight, I have stayed on course and finished the race, and through it all, I have kept believing. I look forward to what’s in store for me: a crown of righteousness that the Lord — the always right and just judge — will give me that day (but it is not only for me, but for all those who love and long for His appearing). (2 Timothy 4:6-8) Glory awaits. A new heaven and a new earth await. Your reward for a life of faithfulness awaits. There will come a time when your suffering will melt away into the glorious deliverance that I will bring you. I will bring justice and comfort for all who have waited patiently and endured injustice, hardship, pain, and anguish for My sake (2 Thessalonians 1:5-10). Throughout the centuries since My first coming to earth, My disciples have awaited My triumphant return. I have not forgotten. I will return at the time appointed by the Father (Mark 13:32). I will come, and you will share in My glory because you have placed your faith, your life, and your future in My hands (Colossians 3:1-4). So be faithful. Don’t give in to despair. Remember My promises for those who long for My appearing: At the end of time, I will bring the fullness of My kingdom and the full experience of My glory to My people forever. Your adoption into glory with Me is coming and will bring everlasting grace to you! Verses to Live Your world is struggling with its brokenness and decay. You struggle with your own mortality and the injustice and unfairness in your world. You are tired of saying goodbye in death to precious people you love. If you are bone-weary because of physical, emotional, and spiritual pain, please know, dear beloved, that these problems will all disappear with My return. Glory awaits! Now I’m sure of this: the sufferings we endure now are not even worth comparing to the glory that is coming and will be revealed in us. For all of creation is waiting, yearning for the time when the children of God will be revealed. You see, all of creation has collapsed into emptiness, not by its own choosing, but by God’s. Still He placed within it a deep and abiding hope that creation would one day be liberated from its slavery to corruption and experience the glorious freedom of the children of God. For we know that all creation groans in unison with birthing pains up until now. And there is more; it’s not just creation—all of us are groaning together too. Though we have already tasted the firstfruits of the Spirit, we are longing for the total redemption of our bodies that comes when our adoption as children of God is complete— for we have been saved in this hope and for this future. But hope does not involve what we already have or see. For who goes around hoping for what he already has? But if we wait expectantly for things we have never seen, then we hope with true perseverance and eager anticipation. (Romans 8:18-25) The day of the Lord will come unexpectedly like a thief in the night; and on that day, the sky will vanish with a roar, the elements will melt with intense heat, and the earth and all the works done on it will be seen as they truly are. Knowing that one day all this will come to pass, think what sort of people you ought to be — how you should be living faithful and godly lives, waiting hopefully for and hastening the coming of God’s day when the heavens will vanish in flames and the elements melt away with intense heat. What will happen next, and what we hope for, is what God promised: a new heaven and a new earth where justice reigns. (2 Peter 3:10-13) I looked again and could hardly believe my eyes. Everything above me was new. Everything below me was new. Everything around me was new because the heaven and earth that had been passed away, and the sea was gone, completely. And I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God, prepared like a bride on her wedding day, adorned for her husband and for His eyes only. And I heard a great voice, coming from the throne. A Voice: See, the home of God is with His people. He will live among them; They will be His people, And God Himself will be with them. The prophecies are fulfilled: He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more; Mourning no more, crying no more, pain no more, For the first things have gone away. (Revelation 21:1-4) Response in Prayer O God, my Father, give me strength, courage, endurance, and faith to trust in Jesus’ coming. I long for that day, Father. I trust that justice, mercy, and grace are on the way and will triumph over injustice, violence, and death and that I will share in Jesus’ reign for ever and ever. In His name, I pray. Amen. ‘A Year with Jesus’ is written by Phil Ware. © 1998-2024, Heartlight, Inc. ‘A Year with Jesus‘ is part of the Heartlight Network.All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from The Voice™. © 2008 by Ecclesia Bible Society. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Strong Words of Warning!
Note from Jesus Dear Disciple, The verses you will read today contain strong warnings and harsh language for false teachers. These false teachers were leading My followers astray. They were creating havoc in the fellowship meals (“love feasts”) and gatherings of My disciples. These false teachers were self-absorbed and had perverted grace to justify their sinful lifestyles. The first set of verses you read comes from the first part of Jude. These verses are so similar to 2 Peter chapter 2 that I include only Jude’s words for today’s reading. The second set of verses comes from 2 Peter chapter 3. The third set comes from the end of Jude’s short letter. He concludes his letter with praise for the Father. He reminds My disciples that the Father is the only One Who can save them and He will do just that! The short little letter called Jude is best understood more like a “tract for troubled times.” It is an emergency note written with urgency. The second chapter of 2 Peter contains very similar wording: Depraved souls who stand condemned have made a mockery of the grace given to you, using it as a pretext for a life of sinful excess, lived without any thought of God. Both Peter and Jude used images from the Old Testament and also reminded their readers of the punishment the Father brought on rebellious and wanton sinners. These images were written as warnings to My disciples so that they would recognize the gravity of the false teaching and the false teachers who spread it. These false teachers were “dreamers who have slipped in and defiled your community, rejected those in charge, and insulted the glorious majesty of the heavenly messengers.” Jude had intended to send a much happier letter of encouragement centered on the salvation the disciples shared. However, his heart was so troubled by these false teachers that he sent his short message about them instead. Peter had a very similar strong teaching that paralleled Jude’s message as he addressed similar problems. He followed his warning about these false teachers with teaching about the judgment coming on those who are godless and make life difficult for My disciples and lead them astray. He described that coming judgment in terms consistent with the fate of the false teachers described in Jude’s note. I want you to notice the strong language used for those who perverted grace into an excuse for immorality and who “lived without any thought of God.” I also want you to recognize that both of these writers ended their messages with encouragement. They were confident that the Father would continue to work in the lives of My disciples and bring them complete salvation. Until the time they fully experienced salvation, Jude reminded My followers to care for each other. They were to deal with those who had been influenced by the false teachers based on their need and what led them to fall away: [Y]ou must show mercy to those whose faith is wavering. Rescue others by snatching them from the flames of judgment. Show mercy to still others, but do so with great caution, hating the sins that contaminate their lives. (Jude 1:22-23 NLT) Jude’s last words are especially encouraging and helpful. Carefully notice the third set of verses below. They are beautiful, reliable, and very practical. Remember, you cannot save yourself; your salvation depends on the Father’s grace and your trust in Him. Your Father is good. He can and will transform you and bring you to Himself as His pure and holy child. Verses to Live Please read straight through these verses as one continuous reading. I want you to get the flow of the message. Look for the strong language that Peter and Jude used to describe the false teachers. Also, look for the encouragement offered at the end of the second and third sets of verses. I AM confident in good things with you and your faith. But I also want you to be aware that there are false teachers who will try to lead you away from Me. So keep your focus on the Father, walk with Me in the Spirit. Jude, a slave of Jesus the Anointed and a brother of James, to you, the ones whom God our Father loves and has called and whom Jesus, the Anointed One, has kept. Kindness, peace, love — may they never stop blooming in you and from you. Friends, I have been trying to write you about our common salvation. But these days my heart is troubled, and I am compelled to write to you and encourage you to continue struggling for the faith that was entrusted to the saints once and for all. Vile men have slithered in among us. Depraved souls who stand condemned have made a mockery of the grace given to us, using it as a pretext for a life of excess, lived without any thought of God. These poor fools have denied Jesus the Anointed, our one Lord and Master. You have heard the stories many times, and the Spirit has enlightened you about their meaning, but you still need to be reminded. Remember when the Lord saved our ancestors from the land in Egypt? He breathed life into their earthen lungs and took back the life from those who did not believe. And God has kept the rebellious heavenly messengers bound and chained in utter darkness — shadowy gloom — until the time when His judgment arrives, because they failed to keep their rightful positions and abandoned their appointed realms. Sodom and Gomorrah and all their neighbors were defeated by their own sexual perversions as they pursued the strange and unnatural impulses of the flesh. Let these who went their own way and are experiencing the eternal heat of God’s vengeance — a punishment by fire — be a warning to you. These stories are examples to help you understand the fate of those dreamers who have slipped
Peter’s Parting Exhortations
Note from Jesus Dear Precious Disciple, Much as 2 Timothy serves as a farewell message for Paul as he nears the end of his life, 2 Peter plays a similar role for the apostle Peter. He writes this letter to help churches to be able to resist false teachers and to know how to live productive lives of service and faithfulness after he is gone: I want to be certain you will be able to call these things to mind anytime you need them even after I am gone. Your verses today emphasize continued growth — adding this virtue to that virtue and to that virtue another virtue and to another virtue yet one more virtue… As Peter states, continued growth is necessary so that: [Y]ou will never be ineffective or unproductive in your relationship with our Lord Jesus. [Y]ou will never fall along the way; and you can be sure that you will be richly welcomed into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus the Anointed, our Liberating King. While each of these virtues from the verses below is important, the commitment to continued growth is especially important, and these virtues that Peter charges the disciples to have will then be byproducts of that continued growth. The Holy Spirit is at work transforming you to become ever more like Me (2 Corinthians 3:18), producing the character and compassion in you that you know as the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). Paul talked about not having arrived to full maturity, but pressing on to reach it personally (Philippians 3:12-16). Here Peter makes a similar point with My disciples in their own walk toward becoming conformed fully to My “divine nature.” The goal, as Peter states it, is this: [T]o reflect God’s true nature through the knowledge of the One Who called us by His glory and virtue. Through these things, we have received God’s great and valuable promises, so we might escape the corruption of worldly desires and share in the divine nature. So as long as Peter can “draw breath,” he will “keep on stirring you [My disciples] up with these reminders”! As you read these verses, I hope you will feel the urgency in Peter’s words and recognize the importance of not losing your passion for growing to be more and more like Me. The “eternal kingdom” awaits you, so pursue My character and compassion — “the divine nature” — and know with assurance that My glory awaits you! Verses to Live The last words of people before they die are often etched into the memories of their loved ones. Peter is hoping that is exactly what happens with the words of this letter he is sending to My disciples. I have preserved these words for you so that their message can be etched into your memory and displayed in your lives. Their theme is simple and clear: “[G]row in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.” Simon Peter, a servant and emissary of Jesus the Anointed One, to those who have received the same precious faith we share through the righteousness of our God and Savior, Jesus the Anointed. I wish you a full measure of grace and peace as you grow in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord. His divine power has given us everything we need to experience life and to reflect God’s true nature through the knowledge of the One Who called us by His glory and virtue. Through these things, we have received God’s great and valuable promises, so we might escape the corruption of worldly desires and share in the divine nature. To achieve this, you will need to add virtue to your faith, and then knowledge to your virtue; to knowledge, add discipline; to discipline, add endurance; to endurance, add godliness; to godliness, add affection for others as sisters and brothers; and to affection, at last, add love. For if you possess these traits and multiply them, then you will never be ineffective or unproductive in your relationship with our Lord Jesus the Anointed; but if you don’t have these qualities, then you will be nearsighted and blind, forgetting that your past sins have been washed away. Therefore, brothers and sisters, work that much harder to confirm that God has called you and claimed you. If you do this, then you will never fall along the way; and you can be sure that you will be richly welcomed into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus the Anointed, our Liberating King. That is why I will keep reminding you of these things, even though I know that you believe them and have made these truths a part of your lives; as long as I draw breath, I know it is right for me to keep on stirring you up with these reminders. I know that soon I must die and lay down this old body that’s been my home — our Lord Jesus the Anointed has told me so. But before my exodus from this life, I want to be certain you will be able to call these things to mind anytime you need them even after I am gone. (2 Peter 1:1-15) Response in Prayer Father, life can wear me down and distract me. I can become bored and chase after things that don’t matter much, but that fascinate me. So I thank You for Peter’s words today that urge me to keep growing and pursuing a life that seeks to share in Your “divine nature” by growing in knowledge and in the experience of Your presence and nature. I offer myself afresh today, to be molded and conformed to Jesus, in Whose name I pray. Amen. ‘A Year with Jesus’ is written by Phil Ware. © 1998-2024, Heartlight, Inc. ‘A Year with Jesus‘ is part of the Heartlight Network.All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from The Voice™. © 2008 by Ecclesia Bible Society. Used by permission.