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Previous Lesson -- Next Lesson REVELATION - Behold, I am Coming Soon
Studies in the Book of Revelation
BOOK 1 - BEHOLD, I AM COMING QUICKLY! (REVELATION 1:1 - 3:22)
PART 1.2 THE FIRST VISION AND ITS CONSEQUENCES ON EARTH: THE APPEARING OF THE SON OF MAN TO SANCTIFY HIS CHURCHES (REVELATION 1:9 - 3:22)
PART 1.2.3 HE WHO HAS AN EAR, LET HIM HEAR WHAT THE SPIRIT SAYS TO THE CHURCHES (REVELATION 3:22)
Introduction: Read the Book of Revelation Prayerfully7. Jesus, the Lord at WorkIn the seven church letters Jesus spoke in the first person “I” about 49 times. In some translations, this pronoun appears 45 times. The many verbs that were revealed in this first person form testify that Jesus spoke personally to each one of the seven churches. We encounter this great word, which is probably the most significant word in all the church letters: five times in the letter to Ephesus (Revelation 2:2.4.5.6.7).
twice in the letter to Smyrna (Revelation 2:9.17).
four times in the letter to Pergamos (Revelation 2:13.14.16.17).
thirteen times in the letter to Thyatira (Revelation 2:19.20.21.22. 23.24.25.26.28).
six times in the letter to Sardis (Revelation 3:1.2.3.5).
nine times in the letter to Philadelphia (Revelation 3:8.9.10.11. 12).
ten times in the letter to Laodicea (Revelation 3:15.16.18.19.20. 21).
Whoever inquires about the content of these verbs spoken in the first person, will find in them a very special summary of the messages of Jesus Christ. He says: I know your works, I know where you dwell, I know your tribulation: seven times.
I have against you: three times.
I am coming: six times.
I will give: seven times.
I love you: twice (Revelation 3:9, 19).
Jesus spoke in the first person in 24 other verbs, which appear only once. They testify both of His punishment as well as of His blessing. They want to work shock and repentance, as also hope, faith and trust. The eight unsettling and threatening verbsI am He who searches the minds and hearts (Revelation 2:23).
For I have not found your works perfect (Revelation 3:2).
I rebuke and chasten (Revelation 3:19).
As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten (Revelation 3:19).
Indeed I will cast her into a sickbed (Revelation 2:22).
I will kill her children with death (Revelation 2:23).
I hate (the syncretists) (Revelation 2:6).
I will vomit you out of My mouth (Revelation 3:16).
The sixteen encouraging verbsI gave her time to repent (Revelation 2:21).
I will put on you no other burden (Revelation 2:24).
I counsel you to buy from Me gold (Revelation 3:18).
I also will keep you from the hour of trial (Revelation 3:10).
I have set before you an open door (Revelation 3:8).
I will make those of the synagogue of Satan, come and worship before your feet (Revelation 3:9).
I will make them come (Revelation 3:9).
To him I will give power over the nations (Revelation 2:26).
As I also have received from My Father (Revelation 2:27).
I will not blot out his name from the Book of Life (Revelation 3:5).
I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels (Revelation 3:5).
I stand before the door (Revelation 3:20).
And I knock (Revelation 3:20).
I will come in to him (Revelation 3:20).
I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God (Revelation 3:12).
I will write on him the three names (Revelation 3:12).
Whoever reads these verbs in their relation with the texts, finds that Jesus is the One who speaks, punishes and promises. In the end it is not about the seven church leaders, but about Jesus alone. He is the First and the Last. He walks in the midst of the seven lampstands (churches), and holds the seven stars (church leaders) in His hand. No one can snatch them from His hand. He is preparing them for His coming. Who is preparing Him the way to His churches and to His people? Are our lamps burning? Are they well polished? The Lord says to us: “Surely, I am coming quickly!” This is Jesus’ last word to His churches, which He again confirms in Chapter 22:20. Therefore, it goes for us all: “He who has an ear let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches” PRAYER: Heavenly Father, we magnify You and worship You and Your Son because He declared to us, "My Father is working until now, and I Myself am working" (John 5: 17). We become comforted by this declaration because You are the One who saves, encourages, preserves, opens the doors for service, makes the fruits, knocks the doors of hearts, and comes in to whoever opens himself to You. We magnify You and thank You because You are the worker and we are the witnesses to Your clear works. QUESTION:
QUIZ 1Dear Reader,
If you answer 75% of the above questions exactly and sufficiently, we will send you the next booklet of this series. Please write your full name and address clearly, and send your answers to the following address: Waters of Life Internet: www.waters-of-life.net |