Revelation 2–3 is the section of Scripture I always wish we had more time to invest in during each of our three-year cycles. It pains me to cover all seven churches in one session. Each could make a fantastic session on its own. Each letter is built on fascinating historical context that when known more fully brings it to greater life. Perhaps one day…
But for now, we find great meaning still in summarizing these letters. It is, of course, of great value to notice the pattern connecting all of the letters and hit the highlights—Jesus calls on us to turn from sin and remain faithful.
There is one more highlight of these letters that we want to be sure our kids see and take hold of: conquering. Each letter makes a wonderful promise to the one who conquers, or some translations say overcomes. Conquers what? The race of life.
Think about each of the churches—they each started well. But then for most of them, issues arose that became stumbling blocks impeding the race. Some got tripped up and slowed a little. Others got thrown off course some. Others fell down. Jesus’ encouragement is this:
“Get up! Get back on track! Keep running!”
The same is true of our lives. We will encounter stumbling blocks as we run our race. Sin, distractions, detractors, and doubts can trip us up at any moment. The question is not if we will ever trip, and possibly even fall, but rather will we stay there? Will we stay on the ground and give up? Or will we, in the power of the Holy Spirit, get up and keep running? Will the race of life conquer us, or will we conquer it?
Works without worship is not Christianity; it is godless moralism.” — Brandon D. Smith
Brandon D. Smith, “Seven Words for Seven Churches,” in The Gospel Project: Adult Leader Guide (Summer 2018): 133.
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