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Introduction: Read the Book of Revelation Prayerfully
5. The Twelve Promises to Those who Overcome in the Power of the Holy Spirit
Jesus offered twelve promises to the seven church leaders if they repented and overcame their own difficulties and those in their churches in the name and the power of Jesus Christ. These promises were to urge them on in their race, that they might, with great urgency, seek faith, love and hope, as well as be ready to count the costs of sacrifice.
The leader of the church in Ephesus was given the promise that he could eat of the tree of life in God’s paradise, and thus live forever in communion with his Creator (compare Revelation 2:7 with Revelation 2:22).
The preacher in Smyrna was assured that eternal death would have no power to afflict him, because he had received citizenship in the heavenly Jerusalem. Bengel, in his commentary over the book of Revelation, prayed over this verse: “Lord Jesus, give me faithfulness until death” (compare Revelation 2:11 with Revelation 20:6)
Two promises were put before the minister in Pergamos, in the event he overcame the satanic break in into his church: He would eat of the hidden manna of Christ’s body, and he would receive a white stone as proof of his victory, on which his new name would be written, describing his new and eternal existence (Compare Revelation 2:17 with Revelation 19:12).
To the responsible church leader in Thyatira were given two great promises, if he testified of “the works of Christ” until the end. He would be involved in the world mission of Christ, and would also receive the morning star as a guarantee of the coming new creation (Compare Revelation 2:26-28 with Revelation 19:15; 22:16).
Three promises were put before the spiritually dead pastor in Sardis, if he woke up, lived and loved. He would receive the white garments of God’s righteousness. Furthermore, Jesus would not blot out his name from the Book of Like, but would confess his name before his Father and before his angels (Compare Revelation 3:5 with Revelation 20:12; 21:27).
To the blessed church leader in Philadelphia was given the possibility of becoming a supporting pillar in the temple of God, if he completed his walk in the name of Jesus. Furthermore, Jesus would write on him the name of His Father, the name of the New Jerusalem, and his own new name, so that all might see it. (Revelation 3:12; 7:15).
The loathsome, yet beloved minister in Laodicea, was promised, if he would renounce his worship of mammon, to sit with Jesus on His throne and to rule with Him, just as Jesus also overcame and sat down with His Father on His throne (compare Revelation 3:21 with Revelation 22:4).
Whoever reads these breathtaking promises will become smaller and smaller, in the event he looks at his own strength, wisdom and righteousness. But he who loves Jesus and lives from His potential, takes heart, and is refreshed and strengthened to new faith, for “our faith is the victory, which overcomes the world” (1 John 5:4). It is only because of Jesus’ victory that we become entitled to hold fast to His promises. All the promises of the Son of God are rooted in His eternal existence with His Father, which he wants to share with us. This signifies life from God, to be free from the fear of death, and to be strengthened by the body and blood of Jesus Christ, as the uninterrupted flow of strength. Through this we become equipped to spread the dominion of His love, safe in His triune name- called to be a walking testimony to the power of His deliverance. We are called to sit with Him on His throne and to become witnesses of His glory (Ephesians 2:5- 7; Philippians 3:20; Romans 8:29). Would that we might worship him, saying: “Lord, I am not worthy of the least of all the mercies and of all the truth which You have shown me” (Genesis 32:11; 2 Sammuel 7:18-19).
PRAYER: We magnify You, merciful Lord, because You gave each minister remarkable promises if the Holy Spirit would allow them to overcome their weaknesses, or to endure their hardships wisely. Help us, Merciful One, to hold fast to Your true promises and to strive, by the help of the comforting Spirit, to follow You and take up our cross to glorify Your fruitful atonement.
QUESTION:
- Which one of the seven church ministers had one promise? Which one of them had two? Which one of them had three?