The Bible CourseSample

Trials, commendation and challenges – feedback for the Church

Reflect:

How do you respond to feedback? Do you dread or embrace it?

Some of us hardly hear the words of recognition we receive and become fixated on where things went wrong or the struggles we’re facing. Instead of embracing opportunities to grow or persevering in our good work, we might start to feel tired, deflated, and hopeless.

On the other hand, some of us get puffed up about the things we think we’re doing well and ignore areas we could improve. Perhaps we become complacent, coasting along on the strength of past success. All of these approaches can lead to problems.

In today’s passage, John passes on Jesus’ specific feedback to three different churches. Notice the way Jesus describes himself to each church in verses 1, 7, and 14. He’s the one who ‘holds the seven spirits of God and the seven stars’, the one ‘who is holy and true, who holds the key of David’, and he’s ‘the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God’s creation.’

Jesus was reminding these churches, and he’s reminding us today, of his holiness, authority, and intimate knowledge of our true situation. He’s uniquely placed to both challenge and encourage us, if we’ll listen. And it’s important we do, because he’s the one we’re relying on for our salvation, and he’s worthy of our best.

What do Jesus’ messages to the different churches teach us?

Jesus’ words to each church bring some much needed perspective and point them in the direction they need to go. He knows that if we’re going to change for the better, we sometimes need to be challenged. And if we’re going to persevere when the going gets tough, we’ll sometimes need encouragement.

The church in Sardis needed to know that ‘a reputation of being alive’ is meaningless if you’re actually in a spiritual coma, approaching death. Pleasing God is not about putting on a great outward show or just drifting along. Jesus tells them to, ‘Wake up!’, remember what you’ve been taught and the grace you’ve received, ‘hold it fast, and repent’ (verses 2–3). It’s not too late now, but taking urgent action is necessary. None of us know when Jesus will return, so it’s best to be ready.

The church in Philadelphia needed to know that even though they had ‘little strength’, their obedience and faithfulness had not gone unnoticed. They may have been looked down on and dismissed by others, but Jesus tells them that one day, those very people will acknowledge their value in his eyes. ‘I have loved you,’ he says (verse 9), and he promises them protection and future reward – a permanent place in God’s presence.

Finally, Jesus had some stern words for the church in Laodicea. They were so laid back about him, they were practically horizontal. They were putting their faith and confidence in their wealth, thinking they didn’t really need him. Jesus tells them he won’t be satisfied with their lukewarm commitment – in fact, he’ll spit it out (verse 16)! He wants them to love him with all of their heart, soul, mind, and strength.

Jesus assured them that this criticism came from a place of love – he wasn’t abandoning them. In fact, he told them he was standing outside and knocking at their door, eager to be invited in (verse 20).

Respond

Did any of Jesus’ words to the churches resonate with you? Make space to be real with Jesus in this moment, listening to the feedback and encouragement he has for you.

• What opportunities are there for you to grow closer to him?
• How can his perspective strengthen your faith and help you to persevere?

Ask Jesus to fill you with his presence and love.