The Seven Churches

Scripture Reading: Revelation 2:1-29, Revelation 3:1-22, Matthew 22:34-39

Do you remember the old nursery rhyme, “Here’s the church and there’s the steeple, open the door and see all the people”? Even now, I bet many of us could do the hand motions. But the Church has never just been a building with a steeple reaching into the sky. The Church is, in fact, the people of God. And where there are people, there is potential for imperfection. If someone were to open the doors of your church, what would they see?

In Revelation chapters 2 and 3, Jesus opened the doors of seven different churches and to reveal the people inside them. Jesus spoke directly to seven churches in Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey) through John. Since these churches were groups of people, these messages were intentional, personal, and deeply spiritual. They include commendations, rebukes, and calls to repentance, all with one goal: to bring the church back to the heart of God. John concluded each letter to the churches by saying, “Let anyone who has ears to hear listen to what the Spirit says to the churches” (Revelation 2:29).

Although these letters were written to churches thousands of years ago, they still hold significance today. Through the Spirit, they reveal where we—the overall Church and individual believers—can return to God with renewed passion and obedience.

The church at Ephesus was the first addressed—He said, “You have abandoned the love you had at first” (v.4).  In other words, someone or something else had taken their heart’s affection and devotion. To the church at Smyrna, Jesus offered no rebuke but encouraged them to remain faithful in the face of trials. To the church at Pergamum, He warned them not to compromise the truth. To the church at Thyatira, He urged them to confront sin and hold their community of faith accountable. To Sardis, He called them to wake up from going through the motions of religiosity. To Philadelphia, He encouraged them to stay true to the gospel despite opposition. Lastly, He wrote to the church at Laodicea, rebuking them for their lukewarm faith and self-sufficient efforts.

Could you reflect on the faith community to which you belong locally with these addresses in mind? If Jesus were to open the door and see the people there, what would He notice, address, and ask you to consider? If you follow Jesus, you are part of the Church and God’s people. And where there are people, there are flaws. Maybe you have replaced Him with someone or something else. Perhaps there’s an area in your life where you’ve sacrificed truth for comfort. Maybe you’re just going through the motions. By faith, listen to what the Spirit is telling you. He spoke to the people then, and He continues to speak to the people now.

Written by Will Heydel