Rev 2:1-7 Devotion Questioned
The churches in Smyrna and Philadelphia received commendations without any faults. But five of the seven were commended with faults- two actually were really not commended but faulted. Let us consider the main issues Christ addressed to these churches:
The church was commended for her hard work, perseverance, intolerance for wicked men, tested those who claim to be apostles but are not, and have found them false, perseverance and endurance during hardships for my name and did not grow weary. It seems a church like this should not even be faulted. On the surface they did everything by the book. They were orthodox! They tried to preserve the traditional system of beliefs. They kept the custom of Christianity of hard work, perseverance and endurance. But there was no glow in their devotion for Christ. Everything seemed right yet something seems not right. That was the state of the church. It represents those churches and denominations that can defend the doctrines and even suffer for it yet their own devotion to Christ is lost. The Jews, the LORD rebuked, who were seeking to kill Him for ‘breaking the Sabbath’ and for calling God His father, studied and searched the Scriptures. They knew the requirements of scriptures and it was in its defense they wanted to kill the Messiah- for blasphemy. They were close to Scriptures but they did not seek Christ in it. This exactly was what the church had also become. It had a passion to uphold established principles and practices but Christ Himself was not at the center of it? How mistaken they were? The LORD said to the church in Ephesus, “…you have abandoned the love you had at first” Rev 2:4.
What exactly was the LORD referring to? What had become missing in all of their labours? Clearly it was a church that toiled (hardworking) and was persevering in it. It is like being occupied with many activities (programmes). How we love programmes! Martha loved to serve… but Christ expected more from her- Lk 10:40-41. Christ wanted a personal devotion- to spend time with Him, to be with Him, to listen to Him, to understand His heart. But we are eager to run with “spiritual” programmes. Even our so-called retreats have become occupied with activities that focus on ourselves- our plans, needs, and projections. But the Lord longed for that time of aloneness with Him. Borrowing from Matthew 23:5, But all their works they do for to be seen of men…, the LORD derided such labours. Are there any more works of love that no one else knows except the beneficiary? We can be rich toward God or poor according to His record.
But, also, our devotion to Christ is expressed in our devotion to our brothers and sisters. There is a sense in which we are losing touch with one another. Care and concern for the brethren is waning. Programmes are easier to organize than to bear the burdens of one little sister or brother. The church that reflects Christ is the church that obeys the command “love one another as I have loved you“. While it is not wrong to plan and conduct activities that will help in accomplishing those programmes, care and concern for one another must be at the front burner. It must be done with all sincerity as on to Christ. Fulfilling the Great Commission must be done with fervent love for Christ, the brethren and the people we are sent to reach. Unless we are completely obedient in all, especially our devotion to Christ and the brethren, we are in danger of losing our lampstand.
How do we rekindle our devotion for the LORD in the secret place? How can we show greater affection for members of the household of faith around us?
May the LORD rekindle in our hearts love for Him- that intentionally seeks to be with Him and seeks Him in all that we do, and to love the brethren without hypocrisy.