Did you know you have demon repellent available to you? Like bug spray, the enemy and his evil little workers absolutely cannot pester you when you use what God is going to show you today!
Let’s continue our study of the book of Revelation, remembering this is not a book of doom and gloom and confusing mysteries to remain hidden. No, the very title itself tells us this is a book of revealing. The revealing is coming to John directly from Jesus. Let’s get started today in chapter 2.
Verse 1: “Write this letter to the angel of the church in Ephesus. This is the message from the one who holds the seven stars in his right hand, the one who walks among the seven gold lampstands:”
Now remember, the seven gold lampstands are seven churches. Does it mean there are only seven churches? No. Seven is a number that represents completion and perfection, so this is simply all of God’s people collectively. This is a letter to one of God’s gathering of people in the church of Ephesus. This church was started by Paul and over the years, it had become influenced by the world around them and lost their way a bit. Jesus has something specific to say to them.
He begins his letter to them by reminding them who he is. He reminds them he holds the seven stars in his right hand. These stars are symbols for God’s angels and messengers. Jesus has powerful command over his enemies with angel armies. He can send out defense and deliverance at any moment. The devil and his demons stand no chance against him. And with that reminder, he says, “I am the one who walks among my people.”
Now imagine that. He’s not sitting in the distance. He’s not watching from afar. He doesn’t create boundaries and then command his angel armies to fight for him in places he’s not willing to go. No, instead, he walks among his people. He’s in the trenches with us. He’s climbing those mountains with us. He’s on the battlefield. He’s in the office. He’s in our homes. He’s near.
And with all the power of heaven and earth held in his right hand, he walks among us, seeing everything, drawing near, ready to move on our behalf. That’s our Jesus. He’s right here.
Now, he says to his people in verse 2-3, “I know all the things you do. I have seen your hard work and your patient endurance. I know you don’t tolerate evil people. You have examined the claims of those who say they are apostles but are not. You have discovered they are liars. You have patiently suffered for me without quitting.”
Jesus shows us how to have a tough conversation. He shows us you begin by recognizing what is going right. You offer praise first. Remember that when you’re in your next tough conversation where you must discuss things that need to change. First, tell them what you see that’s already good. You can’t come out of the gate complaining, Sis. You can’t begin a conversation with condemnation and finger pointing, and expect it to create the change you hope for.
Half of the lesson Jesus teaches us isn’t in the teaching itself, it’s in HOW he does it. This is how you address necessary changes in someone you love. First, I will recognize what you’re doing right.
Jesus literally knows everything we do. He’s walking right here among us. He sees it all. He hears it all. You can hide absolutely nothing from him.
Yesterday I was in a store in downtown Branson, MO and they had a solid white sticker with Jesus’ head creeping in from the corner and it said, “I saw that.” He did. Jesus really did see that. If that causes a bit of panic, regret, embarrassment, or stirring of excuses, recognize what’s really happening. This is holy conviction. This is God’s spirit within you saying, “My girl, I love you.