Jesus Speaks to His Church
Seven churches received seven letters from Jesus. In Revelation chapters 2 and 3, Jesus addresses seven churches in Asia Minor. This represents the church age, which we are still in. This means that Jesus speaks to His churches today. Jesus starts out talking to each church.
He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God. Revelation 2:7 (KJV)
There are certain words and phrases, Jesus uses in His address to the churches.
“These things saith”
This is stated in Revelation 2:1, 8, 12, 18, 3:1, 7, 14. Jesus has something to say to each and every one of us.
“To him that overcometh”
This phrase is found in Revelation 2:7, 11, 17, 26, 3:5, 12, 21. Jesus wants us to overcome. There are promises and rewards for the overcomers. We have to do what Jesus is saying to His church so we can receive what He promises.
“Let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.”
We find this in Revelation 2:7, 11, 17, 29, 3:6, 13, 22. Jesus, by His Spirit, is speaking to His church then and now. The Spirit must be welcome and present in our churches for us to hear what Jesus is saying. Holy Spirit is the voice of Jesus (Revelation 19:10).
In His messages to the seven churches, Jesus is telling us to keep loving Him so we will work for Him out of love. We will fear no one. We are to hold fast to Jesus and not tolerate false teachers and false teaching. We must not allow people to lead us away in sin. We are to hold fast to truth. We have to keep Jesus’ Word and not deny His name. And Jesus will keep us from the Great Tribulation (Revelation 3:10). Stay on fire for Jesus and don’t become lukewarm. Jesus is knocking on our door for fellowship, and we must let Him in.
As we overcome, we receive rewards:
The Tree of Life. Revelation 2:7
A crown of life. Revelation 2:10
Hidden manna and a new name. Revelation 2:17
Power to rule. Revelation 2:26
The Morning Star (Jesus). Revelation 2:28
We’ll be clothed in white raiment, our name will be in the book of Life, and Jesus will confess us before the Father. Revelation 3:5
We will be a pillar in God’s temple, meaning we have a permanent place. Jesus will write on us God’s name, Jesus’ new name, and the name of the city of God. Revelation 3:12
We will sit with Jesus in His throne. We are already seated in heavenly places in Christ, but this speaks of more authority, position, and honor with Christ. Revelation 3:21
The more we listen and obey what Jesus has said to the churches, the more we will receive from Him.
