044 - Revelation 3 - Part 2

Letter to the Converted of Laodicea (the selfish indifferent)

Characteristic

Laodicea means justice of the people.

Laodicea received its name of Laodice, wife of Antiochus (by whom Antiochus was poisoned), the second king of Syria, by whom she was rebuilt and beautified.

In Roman times, it was the main city among those in the second level in Asia Minor. She was also almost destroyed by the great earthquake, A. D. 62, but was repaired by the efforts of its own citizens, who have not asked for help from the Roman Senate. Laodicea was about 60 miles south of Hierapolis and forty of Ephesus. His trade was considerable, being mainly of wool grown in neighboring district, which has been concluded for its fine texture and richness of tone.  

Note: in Sardis and Laodicea isn't mentioned enemies persecuting the Church externally, nor heretics acting internally. This is because there was no sincere to manifest themselves (1 Corinthians 11.19). The problem with the brothers of Laodicea was not theological or moral. 

Unlike Sardis which was full of dead works, here there was no good works. This is a group of brothers indifferent with regard to the suffering and spirituality of the other brothers. This is the selfish seek for the Eternal One.

What many people do not think (as these brothers) is that, if to do good we have to go over someone, then we are already doing evil. And from the moment that we feel with the ability to judge about who deserves our favors or not, we are equating to the Eternal One (see Gen 3.5,6). Likewise, when we put in the hands of someone, we give them the right to judge us and decide what we deserve. In other words, we're doing this person a god.

The correct is to follow the procedure of Paul:

 

·         For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more. (1 Corinthians 9.19).

 

That is, instead of allowing people enslave us (1 Cor 7.23), we must humble ourselves under the mighty hand of the Eternal One (1 Peter 5.5-7) so that we can serve Him in people's lives. It is good to remember that someone is only able to serve when, for some reason, considers the neighbor above oneself.

But how, if there is nothing in human life that is good for us (Matt 19.18, Mark 10.18; Luke 18.19; Tg 1.16,17)?

As Jesus presents Himself?

·         These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God; (Rev 3.14);

·         As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten (Rev 3.19).

 

The faithful and true witness, and the principle of God's creation are attributes of character which belongs to Him as mediator God-Man. For these two attributes He has demonstrated His dual nature.

As Son, Jesus shares the divinity of the Father. We, on the other hand, share the humanity of the Son. As Jesus lives by the Father, we live for Him.

Considering that everything was done in Christ (John 1.3; Col 1.15,18), which is the wisdom of the Eternal One personified (Prov 8.22-31; Col 1.15-18), then nothing more reasonable than Jesus being the "Amen" (2Cor 1:20), i.e., the confirmation of all that is good, the fulfilment and the verifier of all the promises of Holy Scripture.

The fact of Jesus be the Amen shows that the divine promises, not only are performed by Him, but He Himself is the fulfillment of all that the Eternal One has spoken to His Oholyao. Even more: this perfectly proves His divinity.

For a group of brothers who considered themselves rich, this was a way of showing that all that wealth they possessed nothing meant.

But Jesus is also the faithful witness.

Three things are necessary for someone to be a good witness (1 Tim 6.13):

 

1.    Having seen with their own eyes what is saying. That is to say, should have full knowledge of the subject which says. Jesus has eyes like a flame of fire (that is, is omniscient), as well as saw and hear straight from the Creator One everything that needed to be seen;

2.    Be competent to report this to the other. That is to say, be absolutely above all temptations, so as to be impossible to be bribed. Jesus has no reason to cheat, no evil to fear, no benefit to be gained.

3.    Take sincere pleasure to manifest the truth wherever they goes.

 

In Christ all this is fulfilled. Christ personally assumes for Himself what the brothers have ceased to be. Jesus is the true witness because he was the revealer of God and truth to a group of brothers devoid of such knowledge.

With a group of lukewarm converted (who settled in the world, simply passing through it, without any objective, but living so only in search of pleasure), and spiritually poor, Jesus, in this way, introduces Himself as the One who is constant and reliable in the midst of so many changes. Therefore, this shows that all the spirituality of them was misleading, biased and unstable (Isaiah 64.6).

Finally Jesus presents Himself as the principle of the creation of the Eternal One. This is because:

 

1.    He was the one who made the universe exists, that is, He was the author of all things (John 1.3; Eph 3.9; Col 1:16).

2.    He was the first to be created (Matt 19.4,8; 24.8,21; Mark 1.1; 10.6; 13.8.19; Luke 1.1,2; 6.64; 8.25,44; 15.27; 16.4; 11:14; 1 John 1.1; 2.7,13,14,24; 3.8,11; 2John 5.6).

3.    He is the primacy over everything and is at the head of the universe (Luke 12.11; 20:20; Romans 8.38; 1Cor 15:24; Eph 1.21; 3.10; 6.12; Col 1.16,18; Col 2.10,15; Titus 3.1).

4.    He who reveals the new creation, as well as the real distance to be traveled in order that this kingdom can be received within those who believe.

 

Taking into account the confidence of these brothers in material terms, the most logical is that Jesus presented Himself as the origin and foundation of the creation of the Eternal One. After all, in the same way that Jesus gave orders to the chaos of the universe, He may pluck the Church of spiritual chaos without relying on anything in this world.

The majority of individuals just likes to hear the promises of Eternal One, ignoring that loving correction of Him is embed in them (Prov 3.11.12; Heb 12.5-8). For example:

 

·         (Deut 28.7) -> for the enemies to flee by seven ways, means that they will come affront us "seven" times;

·         (Psalms 23.1) -> if anything goes missing, it means that they won’t miss the problems, inasmuch as it is there that our faith is purified (1Pet 1.6.7);

·         (Psalms 23.5) -> the banquet is granted to those who remain in the presence of enemies by loving them as Jesus commanded (Matt 5.44,45);

·         (Psalms 23.6) -> with goodness and mercy of the Eternal One following us, no one has an excuse to hate the neighbor;

·         (Psalms 91.6) -> if the plague will not reach us, it is a sign that we are in a place infested;

·         (Psalms 91.7) -> for a thousand fall at our side and ten to our right, eleven thousand have to rise up against us;

·         (Phil 4.13) -> Only has meaning Jesus strengthen us if there are strong enemies to be defeated, tremendous challenges to be overcome or a burden too heavy to be loaded. We emphasize that the yoke of Jesus is more smoothly because of several brothers helping us (Matt 11.28-30);

·         (Romans 8.31-39) -> it is only a great winner who is engaged in a great struggle, enlisted in an army (2Tim 2.3-5).

 

Lastly, there isn’t promise in Holy Scripture that is not related to a challenge to be overcome. And the struggles are intended precisely to those in which He expresses His love, so that they can give more fruit (John 15.2,3).

Note how Jesus, instead of staying coddling sinners, He  rebuked and disciplined them, never intimidated by possible abandonment of them (see Matt 15.12-14; John 6.60-67). Moreover, He made a point of shaking everything that was shakeable, overthrow the whole life based on the wrong thing (Matt 7.24-27), burn all the material in our lives that don’t come from Him (1 Corinthians 3.12-15)  in order to be only what is unwavering (Heb 12.25-27). Jesus prefer openly and honestly opposition to the hypocrite support.

This is why Jesus rebuke: in order to awaken in those who believe the zeal (2Cor  7.9-11).

What qualities can be seen?

Do not receive any praise.

What is the complaint of Jesus?

·         I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked: (Rev 3.15-17).

 

The brothers of Laodicea arrived at the lowest point of the character that every follower of Christ should have. Note how is not mentioned any heresy, which proves that the spiritual state of them was so severe that even the "birds" felt something that could keep them alive in this environment (see Matt 13.31,32). There wasn’t something making a difference (to which heresy could be manifest), brothers sincere who had an interest in manifest themselves.

Even they could do right religious things (for example singing, praying, etc.), there wasn’t a zeal for the brothers.

Why don't we want to bind us to those that the Eternal One has placed on our lives? What is our interest that they don’t bring any benefit to the neighbor, or what is their interest that has nothing to do with us?

These brothers were leaving aside the interests of Christ. The burning zeal (hot) by brother was giving place to search for works that aimed enrichment and promotion.

Unfortunately, they had their eyes open for evil (Gen 3.7), what happens each time the individual grows in strength, wisdom, power, etc. The more the individual grows in this world, the more your eyes grow to the features that it offers. 

Consider the case of Ephraim (representing the ten northern tribes of Israel). In Hosea 12.8 they are seen enriching at the expense of the exploitation of others and thinking that everything was normal. 

In Israel it was common to waver between two opinions:

 

·         They didn't know whether to serve the Creator One or Baal (1 Kings 18.21);

·         They worshiped the Lord, but also worship the gods of other nations (2Kings 17.41);

 

Today, many try to serve two masters (Matt 6.24); others return to the world, how did with Demas (2Tim 4:10). It is not for nothing that Jesus claims to be the faithful witness (not falters or changes) and true, the One that actually confirms the identity of the Eternal One (He is the Amen), as well as the foundation of every one of His works (in order that no one confuse the work of the Eternal One with the one of the human being).

They sought so the pleasures that became:

 

·         Unhappy -> did not have the joy of Eternal One, which makes us strong (Ne 8.10), because they didn’t fear Him, much less walk in His ways (Psalms 128.1), since it does not take pleasure in His commandments (Psalms 112.1).

·         Miserable -> due to seek in Christ only on the things of this world.

·         Poor -> they were not rich toward the Eternal One (Luke 12.21).

·         Blind -> had no faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, mercy, brotherhood and love from heaven (2Pet 1.5-7,9). Were blinded by the god of this world (2Cor  4.3,4). The blindness was not total, because, otherwise, the eyesalve would not resolve.

·         Naked -> Only the garment provided by the Eternal One (Gen 3.7-10; Rev 19.8) can actually cover our nakedness. The act of undressing often represents put someone in shame (2Sam 10:4; Isa 20:4; 47:2-3; Ezek 16:37. Also Compare Matthew 22:11-13; Col 3:10-14).

 

And what is worse is that they considered themselves (physically or spiritually):

 

·         Rich -> with potential to undertake good things;

·         Welthy -> with possibility to empower others to the good work; 

·         Satisfied -> with the ability to take advantage of the wealth (see Ecc 5.19,20) and get what they really need for their lives.

 

However, they needed the things most basic of life.

But, when someone becomes lukewarm:

 

1.    When they no longer have contact with those who are cold in faith (believing in the wrong thing), but does not seek to get closer to the truth.

2.    When you have contact with the of hot faith, but go gradually away from the truth.

 

The cold only hinder the action of microorganisms; the heat, on the other hand, kill them.

What is the consequence of sin?

·         So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth (Rev 3:16)

 

Jesus would puke instead of spitting because He takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked (Ezek 33.11). However, if the brothers of Laodicea did not repent, the nature pure and holy of Jesus naturally expel them from His inside, even though He, at first, would not want to this.

The brothers of Laodicea were being as the catarrh that comes from the mouth naturally when someone coughing. As the rheum is formed by inflammation of mucous membranes, such individuals hinder the pronouncement of Jesus in the hearts of the individuals.

The curious thing is that if something is too hot or too cold, it strikes our mouths and, depending, vocal cords. The lukewarm temperature is precisely that which does not harm the body. However, spiritually speaking, Jesus wants to have his bowels yearned by our prayers, by compassion that He wants to play for with individuals through us.

As soon as the vomit happens only when the body is unable to digest something, Jesus cannot "digest" words that do not impact the lives of individuals.

Those who speak frivolous or ribald words (Matt 12.37; Eph 4.29) (the followers of Christ who are in the body, but refuse to give the fruit of the Holy Spirit - hence John 15.2,3) will be spewed (deemed). After all, the Word of Christ is not as straw, but as purifying fire or hammer that breaks the hearts of stone (Jer 23.28,29). A word that Christ says through us can change reality (Matt 8.8).

Nothing of saying words that only massage the ego, but that does not expose the error of individuals and, in this way, gives them the opportunity to repent, turn and be saved (see Lev 19:17).

It is quite easy to understand: as soldiers of Christ (2Tim 2.3-5), imagine what a tragedy it is trusting the life in the hands of a commander who sends the wrong orders. This puts at risk the entire army. Hence Paul emphasize that, many times, he was in danger from false brethren (2Cor 11.26). Think of that tragedy is to rely on wrong word from someone who in everything seems reliable.    

Once that Jesus would puke the brothers of Laodicea, therefore they were being the mouth of Christ initially. However, the pleasure in riches and in popularity was leading them to practice "good neighbor" policies, i.e., saying only that which is pleasing to the ears.

They were doomed to don’t be more the mouth of the Eternal One (Exo 4.15; Jer 15.19; see Hosea 13.1). They thought that just by being inside the mouth of the Eternal One (being used prophetically) that this will guarantee wealth, abundance and lack of nothing.

However, in that they left Jesus out of their lives, going to speak their own words instead of the words of Eternal One (See Jer 23.18,22,30, Isa 55.10,11), they were no longer worshipping a present Jesus, but a past Jesus.

Even though they were in Christ (as the branch of a tree), however the sap of the living Word was no longer circulating in them (John 15.3). The trend was to dry and they are cut. In the case here, because they aren’t more heard the voice of Jesus, was leaning on past prophecies and, if they do not change, would be eliminated from the prophetic rule.

These brothers no longer saw the need to be in the presence of Jesus by listening to His voice and allowing themselves to be guided by Him (Romans 8.14). No longer had anything to do with Jesus, but with whom they wanted Jesus to be.

What is promised to the faithful?

·         Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. (Rev 3.20).

 

It was always the will of Jesus dwell in our inner (John 14.23) in order to be able to dine (have supper, i.e., not just to eat, not just being together, but come together to enjoy the privilege of sharing - Luke 22.29,30). The supper that Jesus would not eat more in this world (Matt 26.29), now reference is made to it in Rev 19.9. This reminds of when Jesus has prepared a supper for the Apostles in John 21.5,6,9,10. In other words, where He is welcome as a guest, He ends up taking on the role of host, namely, providing the supper.

Have you ever stopped to think in depth about this? 

That Jesus invite us to come and dine with Him is already a great honor. But, what about He wants to participate in our humble table and dine with us? It is not something unbelievable?

In whole Scripture there is no love more divine, suit and piercing that " I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me”. If we invite someone to our table, we have to provide the feast. Yet here is Jesus who supplies the supper (Luke 12.37).

And this is comprehensible: what have we to offer to Christ? 

In addition, as in the case of Zacchaeus (Luke 19.5), the idea of hosting is of Jesus (it was Zacchaeus who invited Jesus, but the contrary).

Christ hits, but not breaks the door. Although He has, by right of creation, redemption, marriage, purchase, conquest, grace, authority to control all ports to be open at His approach, nevertheless He, as a humble courter, remains outside. He presents himself as a pleader even with the stubborn.

Beyond this, it is important to clarify that the popular belief that Jesus is always knocking at the heart of sinners is distortion of Holy Scripture. In Song of Solomon 5.2 repair as the bridegroom tired of waiting (2 Cor 15.2). The call for the wedding party (Rev 19.9), for which Luke 12.35-38 pointed out, says: " And ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their lord, when he will return from the wedding; that when he cometh and knocketh, they may open unto him immediately". When Jesus knocking on the door of our heart, who is not ready to open, it will be beaten up quite how came about with the Shulamite (Song 5.2-7).

But unfortunately, many doors are no longer in a position to open: the locks are rusty (the individuals stopped to open to the neighbor), everything around is grown with poisoned herbs, too much rubbish was accumulated in the path that gives access to them.

This shows that doing nothing is the most terrible thing that someone can do, because this, first of all,  means keeping closed the door in the face of Christ. No ardent antagonism, fervent rejection, denial intellectual of His truth and promise is so harmful. If we want to ruin, simply do nothing, because even the wicked (cold), by being in activity, remains trying to open the door, though without success.

And, while we insist on don’t come close to Jesus to hear Him knocking on the door (that is Jesus) through His Church, He remains in the middle of the night, in the darkness. However, the patient Son of Man, with a hand placed on the door and the other supporting the light (through His Church), there remains some time. In His face is the scorned love and lost mercy. In the touch of His hand there is gentleness and authority (Song 5.2).

This is to show that the Eternal One never asked for great things to have fellowship with us. Just be ready to abandon ourselves in order to be able to receive only what comes from Him and, in this way, we are ready to open the door (Luke 12.36). Unfortunately, many prefer to remain hidden there at the bottom of the timidity of His heart (where they assume that they will not be disturbed because of their bad works - see John 3.19-21). and they prefer fill the pathto the door with hatred, resentment, contempt, frustration, etc., to justify their behavior.

The opening of the door to the Sun of Justice points out someone opening the door of a house so that the sun naturally between, light and heat (see Psalms 118.19). The Eternal One is not there at the top waiting for us to go to Him. As Jesus did with Zaccheus, He comes to us and speaks to us (Luke 19.5).

But, what must we do to Jesus come into our hearts and dine with us? 

Listen to the voice of Jesus and open the door. It is the voice of Jesus that really moves us (Ezek 2.1,2). It is the breath of the Almighty that gives us understanding (Job 32.8). Those who do not listen to the voice of Jesus for sure will do nothing.

 

·         "Lift up your heads, O ye gates; and be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in. Lift up your heads, O ye gates; even lift them up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in." (Psalm 24.7,9).

 

However, if as small doors we don’t raise our heads to listen to the voice of Jesus and stand ourselves under His command, nothing happens.

Note that Christ does not say: "If any man make oneself moral; if any man trying to make oneself better; if any man have deep sadness; if any man has powerful faith".

No! What He says is: "if any man hear my voice, and open the door…".

If we open a door of repentance, even though the size of the eye of a needle, Jesus opens for us the door of the sheepfold,  so that we can bring calves and cattle out (see Zech 3.7; John 10.9).

But, what is the door?

Jesus Himself is the door (John 10.9), as well as the One who encourages us to beat so that He can open up to us (John 10.9; Rev 3.20).

And how does it open itself the door? Beating (Matt 7.8), as it was for Moses smite the rock with a rod so that water came out of it (Exodus 17.6). However, we will only be able to knock at the door called Jesus after He beat on the door of our heart (which is Himself).

I know that this idea seems weird. But how do you think that we do to open the door of our hearts to Jesus?

At first, many are enclosed within themselves by love. As they do not want to fight against Love (see Gen 32.25,26; Isaiah 1.18; 27.5), hit in the Love until He to open, never also be able to hang out with Jesus for the green pastures. Instead, they will always remain in the face of Love, as if He were a prison, a lot of demands supposedly impossible to be fulfilled (see 1 John 5.3). For this people the love, which should serve as a joy, ends up serving as a stumbling block (Matt 11.6; Romans 9.32.33; 1Peter 2:8).

But as we do not accept in us what is necessary for the well-being of others in all areas (or if you prefer, how will we accept that stay with us something that hurt the neighbor? - 1 John 5.3), if we want to really enjoy true love. After all, Love does not hurt anybody (Rom 13.10).

Only after we shock ourselves against Love and being shaped by Him, we can tap into Jesus in the hearts of the people, so that they might receive what is good (Matt 7.11; Luke 11.13).

Exhortation

·      I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see. (Rev 3.18);

·      be zealous therefore, and repent. (Rev 3.19)

 

Christ prefers give advice instead of orders. Being Jesus the One who actually satisfy (somewhat larger than the understanding of any creature - Eph 3.8,19,20), He does not need to impose, because there is no other way to victory. 

Note how, while the world charges expensive for what is good, with Jesus the only requirement to receive the true blessing (1 Corinthians 2.9) is accept His grace in our lives (for free receive and give of grace - without striving to acquire something of the Eternal One and without demanding such an effort of individuals - Matt 10.8).

But, if it is of grace, as is mentioned the purchasing?

 

·      "Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. Wherefore do ye spend money for that which is not bread? and your labour for that which satisfieth not? hearken diligently unto me, and eat ye that which is good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness." (Isaiah 55.1.2).

 

He encourages them to "buy me". But, if they were so poor, how could they buy? There was nothing in Laodicea to be recommended. 

 

·      "The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise." (Psalm 51.17).

 

Behold the currency of purchasing.

 Salvation have a price (see Isaiah 4.1; Matt 13.44.46). In fact, a price so high that we have to deliver everything we have and are (both in body and in mind, feeling and spirit) to be able to follow Jesus (Matt 16.4; Rom 6.1-4; Gal 6.14). Although Laodicea had nothing to give, they should give all they had (as Jesus did in Matt 13.44.46). 

However, understand: Jesus asks to buy, not because He needs something ours, but in order to unmake us of everything that hinders His glory rests in us (see Is 55.1-3).

When it is said that salvation is of grace, this does not mean that there was no price and cost. Rather, it means that Jesus took the price established by the Eternal One. Everything that comes to us from grace, someone paid for it in our place, in the hope that, in the future, we can do the same for needed someone.

In other words, the grace is nothing more than the substitution of the monetary system by the true method of negotiating with individuals, namely, with the delivery of our life to do for them what they really need.

If we receive right individuals (those that the Eternal One brings to us) by right reason, we’ll make everything with joy by love, for Jesus and His Word.

Do you understands now why Rev 22.17 claims to be free the Water of Life?

In addition, whereas, in fact, everything belongs to Jesus and not to us (Psalms 24.1; 50.10; John 17.2; Eph 1.21-23), then indeed we are not giving a cent belonging to us. And the reason because we have to deliver everything that Jesus gave us in His hands is because the price to be paid for the salvation is receive His Favor for the world (John 3:16) in us now (the word of Jesus has to be alive and for now, and not on the basis of passed lessons).

This is what it means to be saved by the Favor of God through our total trust in Jesus (Eph 2.8,9). We have to leave behind everything we receive from Jesus yesterday so we can receive what He has for us today (see Phil 3.13,14).

Have you ever stopped to think about the real meaning of the precious commodity that Jesus is offering? 

 

·         Gold tried in the fire (spiritual wealth - Life) -> To enrich someone, it is necessary that the gold is tried in the fire? Although this may have more value than the raw gold, one kilo of gold, for example, remains a kilo of gold (even if it mixed with something else). And why not silver or any precious stone? Why gold, itself?

This comes to show that it is not enough to be rich. If we do not have the correct wealth, we suffer. For example: what good a mechanic acquires everything that is most modern for a dental office? This will be occupying space, rusting and causing concern.

The gold represents the truth (Prov 2.3-5; 3.13-15; 23.23), and the one who believe in Jesus, whose faith, after proven, is more precious than perishable  gold (1Peter 1.6,7). It is useless to know the truth about many things if we do not like to put it into practice in the service of others (1Cor 13:2). 

Although it is important to have friends, isn't any friendship that satisfies. Only those that Jesus placed within us (see Gen 2.22,23) is that, at the right time, will be brought to life for us, coming to be in the building of our life as gold, silver and precious stones (1 Corinthians 3.12-15).

·         White robes (Justice - grace) -> If the Laodiceans were actually naked, what difference does it make the color of the clothes? Therefore, the nudity was not because they did not have any clothing. They are rich, for sure they had available so many raiment. However, before the Eternal One, this was like the clothes made of fig leaves that Adam sewed (Gen 3.7-10). 

Considering that the white garments are the righteous deeds of the saints (Rev 19.8), then they represent the justice and witness of Christ in the lives of individuals that He has placed in our lives. They will testify who is Jesus in our lives.

Dress someone implies in honor them with individuals (they are the ones who testify about us). Without this garment, the individual is at the mercy of the coldness of this world, the storms of circumstances, of angry souls and of shame.

·         Eyedrops (anointing of the Holy Spirit - salvation) -> Only it puts eyedrops in an ill eye or with dust. This has no power against blindness. Therefore, the problem with these brothers is that they, although endowed with perfect vision, were seeing everything distorted. In other words, although possessing spiritual knowledge, they insisted on wanting to see things for themselves (the point of view of the flesh, as Eve - Gen 3.5,6).

Understanding that the word that proceeds from the mouth of the Creator One is a lamp to our feet and a light unto our path (Psalms 119.105), then the drop represents the character of Christ, which makes pure all things for us (Matt 6.22.23; Luke 11.33-36; Titus 1.15). If you think that the character of Christ only develops and purifies in the sense that we have communion with the brothers (hence 2Timothy 2.22; 1 John 1.7), then what is being offered is back to see Christ and the brethren in a spiritual mode (2Cor 5:16).

 

Do you notice how this all has to do with the desire that all be zealous and repent (Rev 3.19)? The zeal for the spiritual health of brothers is what makes us see the events the right way, leaves our character dressed in front of everyone and also enriches us of happiness, generosity and good thoughts and feelings. Not to mention that the zeal that leads to communion is the great proof that Jesus exists and loves us (John 13.34.35; 17.11,21-23). 

However, although the members of Laodicea weren’t zealous against the truth, also weren’t on behalf of the truth. There was no enthusiasm, whether for good or for evil. Many exalt the sin of lukewarmness as if it were a virtue.

This lukewarmness is indicative of an much higher evil: self-complacency. All self-complacent is lukewarm and, often, they confuse: zeal with eccentricity; fervor with wild and bad considered schemes; zeal with shouting loud; enthusiasm with mere delirium and extravagance.

The true zeal must be a result of knowledge. It is the feeling full of sobriety and reason, the emotion which corresponds to the truth that it invokes.

Therefore, the promise was the discipline of the Eternal One which, in turn, was the proof of His love for us (Job 5.17; Prov 3.11.12; Heb 12.5-11). Take as example Manasseh who came to know that the Creator is God after go through the fight (2Chr 33.11-13).

What is the reward to the winners?

·         To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne. (Rev 3.21)

 

This passage is in harmony with (Luke 1.32.33; Matt 19.28; Acts 2.30, 34,35). Christ is seated upon the throne of David, i.e., ruling all over the world, having Israel as capital.

The administration of the entire realm of the Eternal One is put in the hands of Jesus (and consequently, of His body), either:

·         The kingdom of nature (for He was the Son of the Father);

·         The Kingdom of Grace (because He was the high priest upon the throne of the Father);

·         The kingdom of glory (until the day that He delivers the kingdom to the Father - 1Cor 15:28).

 

These kingdoms, before everything, represent the throne of the human soul.

It is good to remember that the Eternal One gives something to awaken the individual to a spiritual quest more intense and profound. That is to say, He gives to the individual something that can only be achieved if they grow spiritually. For a group of brethren who were full of unhappiness, misery, poverty, blindness and nudity, the more indicated is that they would have to be filled with the gifts of Jesus to achieve the best of the Creator One for their lives.

Jesus won as Lamb and sat on the throne of the Father (Rev 5.5). Then He gave it to the winners (Rev 20.4; 22.5), as He had promised to the apostles (Matt 19.28; Luke 22.30).

And the throne is a symbol of this authority that Jesus received and delegated to the disciples (Matt 28.18).

However, the throne is more than a place to give orders, even because the king is Jesus. The throne is a symbol of authority, i.e., an example to be followed. The communion, which began secretly in our hearts (with Jesus bringing to us His wealth, dress and way of seeing things), now that becomes public with Him leading us to where He is one with the Father. He first comes to us to dwell with us, leading our spirit to the heavenly places (Eph 1.3; 2.6); then He leads us to where He is to we dwell in Him (Rev 21.23) (meditate in John 15.1-7).

Everyone who wants to be thus should seek the joy that is able to fill with good thoughts. Only thus the person will be unable to mistreat thei neighbor and, thus, to grieve the heart of the Eternal One.

The fact that Jesus supper with us and us with Him implies, first of all, in full pleasure in each other's company (to the point of rest in one another - John 6.56; 14.21,23).

Note how Jesus at the same time is:

 

·         Host (we dwell in Him - Jo 15.1-7; Rev 21.22) that promotes the feast (Matthew 25.1);

·         The guest who knocks on the door (Rev 3.20);

·         The port on which we ought to hit (John 10.9);

·         The supper (John 6.51-57).

 

There is an urgent need to emphasize that there are two thrones: the Father's throne (the authority of the Eternal One for being the Creator One of everything with His good, pleasing and perfect will – Rom 12.1) and the throne of the Son (the authority of the Eternal One for being the only one to live perfectly as man and, with this, empower us to live a life pure and holy before Him). It is in this one that we will sit. Therefore, our authority does not have its origin in us (as happens with the Father). Instead, we inherit when we accept Jesus lives His life in us.

It is good to remember that we’ll sit us with Jesus in His throne in the same way He sat down with the Father in His throne. That is to say, in so far as we win the world such as He won (Phil 2.5-8; 1 John 5.3). 

Detail: Since Jesus won, this shows that the concept of victory of the theology of prosperity is mistaken. After all, Jesus overcame the world in so far that did not allow His character and word to change before of higher pressures of the world. He, being poor, simple and humble, was that received the true treasure.

In short:

 

·         The Father sits on the throne of spiritual authority (He is God in fact);

·         Jesus sits on the throne of the physics authority that He won: He is God by right (He lived as God, i.e., without sinning);

·         The Church sits on the throne of authority that received from Jesus (1 Corinthians 6.2) when she allow Jesus live in herself (Gal 2.20).

 

This prophecy is placed at the end of the seven letters as crown over the other promises, as that gathered all in one. 

Not to mention that this promise given to Laodicea is the link to the next part of the book, where the Lamb is seen sitting on the throne of His father (Rev 4.2,3; 5.5,6).

Identity

Laodicea represents the group of brothers that deceive themselves, thinking that they are self-sufficient and basing the quality of their relationship with the Creator One in His personal satisfaction. 

This is something very normal in religious institutions today. Each person goes to that feels themselves good and gives to the Holy Spirit every manifestation that gives them a nice interior feeling (ignoring the fact that the heart of man is misleading – Jer 17.9). However, there is no zeal with regard to the things of the soul and the spirit in the life of the brothers.

Lesson to be learned from the seven types of converted that it is possible to exist

Who is Jesus

Jesus presents Himself in a progressive mode to those who believe:

 

           1st -             As One who is in the midst of the Church, and goes through everything that we passed (Rom 8.3.4; Phil 2.5-8; Heb 2.14,15; 4.14,15) -> "and in the midst of the seven lampstands One like the Son of Man" (Rev 1.13);

       2nd -             As one who covers us until the feet with His righteousness -> " clothed with a garment down to the foot" (Rev 1.13). When we feel wronged, let us remember that Jesus gives us the heavenly righteousness and not earthly;

        3rd -             As the Truth maintains His justice firm to us -> " girt about the paps with a golden girdle" (Rev 1.13). We can only have our thirst for justice satisfied when we want to see people and circumstances of the right way.

        4th -             As one whose thoughts and feelings are pure and elevated (Isa 55.8,9) -> the white head (Rev 1.14);

         5th -             As One who has wisdom and authority (gray hairs symbolize this - Lev 19.32; Prov 16.31; 20.29) -> "His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow" (Rev 1.14);

        6th -             As One whose eyes see everything with good eyes (Matt 6.22.23; Luke 11.33-36) and do not let any unclean scene come into our hearts -> "his eyes were as a flame of fire" (Rev 1.14);

         7th -             As One whose feet burn all the garbage moral and spiritual by where we pass, so that our feet do not falter (Psalms 91.12) -> " his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace" (Rev 1.15);

        8th -             As One whose voice, although mild (1Rs 19.12), it isn’t difficult to be heard, since the truth is visible and indisputable (Romans 1.20) -> " his voice as the sound of many waters" (Rev 1.15). Therefore, we just don't hear His voice when we insist on wanting things in our way.

        9th -             As One who has in His hands everyone who accepts to be steward of the Church -> "he had in his right hand seven stars" (Rev 1.16). Therefore, we do not need (nor we should) judge the mistakes of others. Even because we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ (Romans 14.10; 2Cor 5:10).

      10th -             As one whose mouth is most desirable and cuts fully the evil in our lives-> "out of his mouth went a sharp twoedged sword " (Rev 1.16);

       11th -             As One whose character brings salvation to all who look to Him (see Exodus 33; Psalms 31.16; 67.1; 80.3,7; 119.135) -> "his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength" (Rev 1.16);

      12th -              As our full security -> " And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last" (Rev 1.17). There is nothing that comes to us without Jesus permits, or that will happen after the entire plan of the Eternal One being achieved in our lives;

      13th -             As One who cannot be held even by death -> " I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen;" (Rev 1.18);

      14th -             As the One who determines who lives or dies, as well as who goes to the bosom of Abraham or to Hell -> " and have the keys of hell and of death" (Rev 1.18). which implies that nobody dies before the time.

 

Note the steps. First Jesus shows Himself as the One who is in the midst of the Church, and goes through everything that we passed. In the moments when the world steals our rights, Jesus covers us up to our feet with His righteousness.

In the beginning, we assume that He has abandoned us because we cannot understand His righteousness. However, He reveals to us His truth which, then, makes us understand the true characteristic of His righteousness.

This then opens space in us for His pure and elevated thoughts and feelings. Accepting this inside of us, we perceive, in every event of our life, His wisdom and authority. 

From then on, we will not see any evil in our life (Zephaniah 3.14). Rather, we see everything with good eyes (Matt 6.22.23; Luke 11.33-36), what will enable us to walk for wherever Jesus wants to lead us without hurt or contaminate us.

Best: we will listen to His sweet but powerful voice showing us how nobody (especially those who belong to Him), nor nothing, escapes of His control and judgment (Job 42.2; Isaiah 43.13; Romans 14.10; 2Cor 5:10). At this time, His words, although more edges than ever, will seem us extremely desirable, because both love Jesus, we’ll  repudiate with vehemence everything that is not of Jesus in our lives.

The expectation for wanting to be like Jesus (having His character - 1 John 3.3) will be such that the individual will want to look for Jesus in order to be saved forever of its nature on earth (Col 3.5) and, thus, finally seeing all the events from the right point of view, namely, that nothing can stop Jesus to do good, not even death: everything is in control of Him. Nobody dies before the time, much less go to hell without His permission.

With this we can learn that:

 

    1st -           We ought to identify ourselves with those whom Jesus wants to work through us;

   2nd -           Everything in our walk should show everyone who Jesus is, as well as Your Favor available for all;

   3rd -           There is no point in fighting for justice making use of shady methods. The real goal is the conclusion of what the Eternal One has been doing in the Church, and not an empty result of virtue, as if the only thing that mattered were the results;

    4th -           It is essential to keep the mind firm in everything that Jesus is;

    5th -           As a grain of mustard seed, it is necessary that the power and virtue of the Eternal One grow throughout their growth (Mt 13.31,32; Luke 17.6);

    6th -           Although it is impossible to avoid the perverse scenes of this world, as it is what comes out of a man  that the contaminates him (Mark 7.20-23), therefore our way of seeing things (Matt 6.22.23; Luke 11.33-36; Titus 1.15) must be as the fire of the holocaust that everything burning, as a sacrifice of sweet smell and pleasing to the Eternal One (Lev 1.9,13,17);

    7th -           The word that comes from the mouth of the Eternal One, as a lamp to our feet (Psalms 119.105), should illuminate and burn all our walk, so as to purify what is good and destroy what is not from the Creator One. Join this with the previous item, our heart must submit to the fire everything that tries to enter into us through our five senses so that all our way be as the streets of gold from the New Jerusalem (Rev 21.21);

    8th -         We should never have double tongue (1Tim 3.8 - and, of course, double minded - James 1.5-8; 4.8,9). Our Speech should always be honest and firm (Matt 5.37; 2Cor 1:17; James 5.12), in order to promote confidence in the truth by where we move;

    9th -           We should keep in our company those who are resplendent in the Church (Dan 12.3; Phil 2.14,15) invoking the Creator One with a pure heart (2Tim 2:2.22), in order to be possible zeal of them (Rev 3.19). This is the correct way to keep pure the own soul;

 10th -           We must never deprive our spiritual sword of blood (Jer 48.10), much less condone the next (Lev 19.17) when the same is involved in works of darkness (1 Tim 5.22);

 11th -           As well as the lit countenances of the king represents life (Prov 16.15) our faces must be discovered before the Creator One to reflect His living presence to all who are around us, giving space in order that they are changed from glory to glory in the perfect image of whom the Eternal One is (2Cor 3.18);

 12th -           As well as the hand of Jesus, who has the seven stars, touches and inspires all who by Him are touched, our life should serve of stimulus so that all that are of Jesus want always bring with them all that belong to Him. The idea is that everyone understands that there is no legitimate motive that arises before the Eternal One or that go beyond Him;

 13th -           The best way to evangelize is being led by Christ wherever Jesus wants to take us. If those who believe so did, everyone around would verify that Jesus is real. After all, this is what we all need to see: that Jesus is real.

 14th -           Instead of fear men (Heb 13.5,6), we must fear Him who has the power to make someone go to hell (Luke 9.95). Besides, it is He who will bring in His company who slept on Him (1Thes 4:13-18).

Qualities views

           1st -             I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars: and hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name's sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted. (Rev 2.2,3).

       2nd -             But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. (Rev 2.6).

        3rd -             I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) (Rev 2.9).

        4th -             I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, even where Satan's seat is: and thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth. (Rev 2.13).

         5th -             I know thy works, and charity, and service, and faith, and thy patience, and thy works; and the last to be more than the first. (Rev 2.19).

        6th -             Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy. (Rev 3.4).

         7th -             for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name. (Rev 3.8)

Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, (Rev 3.10)

 

These are the qualities that please to Jesus and that will be accumulated in the faithful remnant, with a view to make them strong in faith:

 

    1st -     Faithful Work -> persevere in well doing what it is being worked;

   2nd -    Be complicit in good works (3John 7,8) -> Do not serve as a support for the evil;

   3rd -     Testing the spirits (1John 4.1) -> putting to proof the false apostles in order not to communicate in nothing that give evidence against the true faith;

    4th -     Dying to oneself (Matt 16.24; Rom 6.1-4; Col 3.3) -> refuse the pleasure and luxury when it puts at risk the good name of Jesus;

    5th -     Stay in the goodness of Jesus (John 15.9; Rom 11.22) -> Do not get tired of doing what is good in the eyes of the Creator One, even when, apparently, seems not to be worth (see Gal 6:9);

    6th -     Exit from the Babylonian System that governs this world -> repudiate every work that stimulates the contention (for example, by placing one above the others);

    7th -     Trust only in the Eternal One (1 Tim 6.17) -> Not hold oneself to the comfort or wealth (1Tim 6.7.8), but rather seek to be rich toward the Eternal One (Luke 12.21), understanding that wealth is not our: belong to Him;

    8th -     Do not allow that faith to suffer mutations in the heart -> Keep the name of Jesus and not deny the faith that it comes, even in the face of persecution because of the truth, as well as any other circumstance that come to us;

    9th -     Persevere in the works that nourish the love and faith, seeking to grow in them (1Thes 4.10; 2Pet 1.5-8); 

 10th -     Keep the righteousness of Jesus instead of wanting to establish their own righteousness (Romans 10.3);

 11th -     Keep the word of Jesus, as well as His character and true work, in order to understand and see the things from the correct mode;

 

It is clear that this is not enough. Otherwise there would be a faithful remnant in Ephesus, which is not true. Note that there was no promise for the Christians in Ephesus and Pergamum), but only for the winners.

However, in that the person seeking in Christ keep all these qualities, they will hardly deviate from that faith.

Complaints of Jesus

           1st -             I, however, am against thee, because thou hast left thy first love (Rev 2.4);

       2nd -             Do not fear what you are to suffer; (Rev 2.10);

        3rd -             Have there those who follow the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to put a stumbling block before the children of Israel, that is, to eat of things sacrificed to idols and the fornicar. (Rev 2.14);

So thou hast also to those who follow the teaching of the Nicolaitans. (Rev 2.15);

        4th -             Nevertheless I have this against you, that a few things the woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophet; it teaches and seduces my servants the fornicar and eating of meat sacrificed to idols. (Rev 2.20);

         5th -             I have not found your complete works before my God (Rev 3.2);

        6th -             You have a little strength (Rev 3.8);

         7th -             I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot; If only thou wert cold or hot! Since thou sayest: I am rich and i am enriched and have need of nothing, and knowest not that thou art poor, miserable, and poor, and blind and naked, (Rev 3.15.17).

 

The seven items form a step backwards, showing the steps of degradation of the human being. First, the individual loses his first love, i.e., commence to focus more on the works than on Jesus Himself and on individuals. How is the perfect love (of Jesus) that casts out all fear, in which the individual loses it, the fear takes hold of them.

Even more: they sleep in the art of loving their neighbor and start to hire individuals who claim to be preachers of the Creator One to fulfill their obligation to pray, meditate on Holy Scripture and help others.

At this time, the individual already accommodate both to the blind submission that does not care more whether the spiritual leader really fears the Eternal One and was chosen by Him, coming to accept (and even encourage) that women abandon their role at home and will govern the religious institutions (which contradicts 1Timothy 2.9-15; 1 Corinthians 14.34,35).

The individual now becomes a perfect robot. Simply runs things, without worrying if this is pleasing to Jesus or not. At this time, even if the individual remains in the midst of the brothers without denying Jesus and His Word, His strength to keep the truth (as is said in 1 Tim 3.15) is compromised and everything is about to crumble.

Finally, the individual will end up accommodating to the standards of the world, without any love for truth, for Jesus or brothers, thinking only on thriving through their religion.

Lastly, who tries to help others thinking in human reward, certainly fit into one of seven categories:

 

    1st -     The unprofitable servant (Rom 3.12) -> When someone leaves Jesus (true Love), their words and attitudes are philosophy and rituals that no effective benefit bring in a person's life;

   2nd -    Spiritual paralytic -> The fear of suffering ends with all courage that someone could have to help others;

   3rd -     Source of stumbling block -> This is a stumbling block in the lives of others and, of course, they propagate this. In this way, each one deceives their neighbor, falling together (Matt 18.6-10). This includes someone wanting to be king or spiritual leader on the others. This is something native in the human being (as can be seen in 1Sam 8.19,20) which seeks, at all costs, a hero who does good in their place. 

    4th -     Servant of women -> One who, by laziness to know more about Jesus and His Word, prefer to be guided by women (as can be seen with Barak - Judge  4.8).

    5th -     Lethargic spiritual -> becomes bad and reckless (Matt 25.26). Do the Lord's work relaxed (Jer 48.10), i.e., works for the neighbor mechanically, rather than seeing it as a service of the Creator One (Col 3.22-24). 

    6th -     Superficial -> does not seek to deepen their roots in Christ (Luke 8.13), nor to live His Word, so as to have their spirit made and strengthened by it (Heb 5.12-14). The individual treats Him as the majority of subjects to their king: with fidelity, but only saw him from a distance;

    7th -     Fleshly -> manages the assets of the Eternal One as if they were their own, forgetting to seek the real interest of the Eternal One. This is one of double heart (see James 4.8.9).

 

In other words, these are the seven mistakes that end up with the spiritual life of someone, transforming it into a religious. Even though they remain congregating with the brothers, nothing good will yield in someone's life. 

Consequences of Sin

           1st -           I come to you, and I will remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent. (Rev 2.5).

       2nd -           Indeed, the devil is to put some of you in prison to be tried, and pass by a tribulation ten days. (Rev 2.10).

        3rd -           I come to you without delay, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth (Rev 2.16).

        4th -           Behold the haul in a bed, and a great tribulation those who commit adultery with her, if they repent of the acts taught by her. I will die for their children; and all the churches shall know that I am the esquadrinhador of kidneys and hearts, and I will give to each one of you according to your works. (Rev 2.22.23).

         5th -           Because if not watch, I will come like a thief, and do not know what hour on you quickly. (Rev 3.3).

        6th -           So that no one may take your crown. (Rev 3.11).

         7th -           So because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I am to spew out of my mouth. (Rev 3.16).

 

These seven consequences show the growing degradation of those who abandons the Eternal One:

First, his light (wisdom, knowledge, gifts, talents, etc.) loses the usefulness. They will not be seen by anyone that be interested in the light. It's like putting the lamp under a bushel (Matt 5.14-16). Then the individual is stuck and troubled in order to receive the proof of the supremacy of Christ and His virtue in the midst of suffering and, thus, be free of fear that enslaves them.

If, however, the individual does not convert, the Word that proceeds out of the mouth of Jesus will fight rather than help. Jesus will put Himself as an adversary (see Num 22.22,32; Jer 21.5). 

At this time, the women, not conformed with the maladministration of men, will take the lead, whether of the home, of the nation, etc. Jesus, to show that this mode to resolve things is wrong, will allow disease in their lives, which ends up bringing great tribulation on the spiritual leaders who distort the Holy Scripture along with her and death (whether physical or spiritual) about those who follow them.

Many, then, even remaining in the Church, will see Jesus as an unjust judge. After all, His coming was to take them what seemed to be them and that, apparently, announced to them benefits. Such an individual will no longer be able to exalt the Eternal One (lost the crown) coming, finally, to be thrown out of the mouth of Christ, where they couldn’t more hear His voice and convey something alive and effectively to individuals with whom they have contact. 

It’s doomed to be useless (Rom 3.11), wander through this world without reason to exist (Hosea 9.17).

Lastly, the individual, to be expelled from the body of Christ, in addition to no longer be able to praise the Creator One, is undermined by what more should be reason of blessing and joy in their life (Jesus and everything that comes from Him, including His light, word and ministry). They pass to have a completely distorted vision of Jesus and of the events and, therefore, unable to see the good (Jer 17.6; Isaiah 48.22; 57.19-21).

Promises to the faithful

                       1st -             be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.  (Rev 2.10).

                    2nd -             I will put upon you none other burden. (Rev 2.24).

                     3rd -             they shall walk with me in white (Rev 3.4).

                     4th -             behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it (Rev 3.8);

                     5th -             I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee. (Rev 3.9);

                     6th -             I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth. (Rev 3.10);

                     7th -             Behold, I come quickly; (Rev 3.11);

                     8th -             Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. (Rev 3.20).

 

What are the processes used by Jesus to get closer to us?

 

1st.        I personally - He will crown us with His life. Jesus remains with us always (Matt 28.20; Phil 4.5) in order to be identified before all as one who received authority from Jesus to grant life. After this, Jesus frees us of our burdens and, finally, He ends 

2nd.      giving us His light burden (Matt 11.28-30). Nothing of empty rituals that do not join people in truth. To this end, we have Jesus

3rd.       Exercising His Justice clean and pure (as opposed to Isaiah 64.6) through us. This touches individuals so that  later they will dress in front of everyone, i.e., to testify about our good procedure in Christ (2Cor  9:13,14).

4th.       Opening to us the door of the Word (Col 4.3). Note how the port of evangelization is only open after being able to testify about the righteousness of Christ.

5th.       Opening the hearts of men to receive Jesus through us. In that Jesus gives us this, they can see the love that the Eternal One had for them in spite of all the persecutions they have made. And this is what will give us faith to we see His care for us

6th.       Through His continuous manifestation guarding us during the struggles that we must to fight;

7th.       Through His coming to give us the victory -> being jealous, Jesus walks with us until He come physically to us through someone (Matt 25.41-46). Finally, He manifests Himself

8th.       Through communion -> i.e., Jesus takes the brothers to be perfectly united (John 13.34.35; 17.11,21-23).

 

Nobody, for more powerful and wise, can resolve all conflicts that take account of a fallen humanity. For more that we want to be fair and promote the good in everyone's life, we will never have success, since evil is in the life of each one and there is nothing we can do to eliminate the even of their lives. Only the full understanding of Jesus, with Him making His body our (Rom 13.14; 1 Corinthians 15.47-53), is able to deliver us from evil.

Just His presence, making of His body and blood (life) our nutrition,  can fill us of true love. This is why Jesus promises the most diverse ways, stay with us.

Exhortations

1st.           Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works (Rev 2.5);

2nd.        Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer (Rev 2.10). 

3rd.         be thou faithful unto death (Rev 2.10);

4th.         Repent (Rev 2.16);

5th.         But that which ye have already hold fast till I come. (Rev 2.25);

6th.         Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die (Rev 3.2);

7th.         Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. (Rev 3.3);

8th.         hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown. (Rev 3.11);

9th.         I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see. (Rev 3.18).

10th.      be zealous therefore, and repent. (Rev 3.19).

 

Each exhortation represents a council in order that the individual proceed on faith in Christ and closer to Him. The one who stay in each of these things will win. They form a ladder where each step climbed strengthens us to reach the next step:

 

              1st -        We must bring to memory the place where we were originally. Note how the true act of repentance is linked to an awareness of who Jesus really is, who we should be and what really is up to us. We must not forget the heavenly places where Jesus puts those who deliver themselves to Him (Eph 1.3; 2.6), so that they can always practice the right works. Once certain of the will of Jesus,  

            2nd -        Nothing to be afraid of. Even if it is necessary to suffer (1Peter 4.12-14) out of love for Christ, that the love of Jesus may be sufficient to rid us of all fear (1 John 4.18), so as not to give up of our real blessings  (Luke 14.26), 

             3rd -        Be faithful until death.

             4th -        Feel sorrow for our sins (Ecc 7.3; James 4.8.9). After all, it is unacceptable to those who have the Holy Spirit stay displeasing her Bridegroom (Rom 8.5-9; 1 John 3.5-9; 5.18). However, we have to

             5th -        Keep what we have, hold it tight until Jesus comes. Nothing of we walk around with every wind of doctrine (Eph 4.14). Rather, that we renounce everything that is not of Jesus and we preserve only what is His. After all, 

             6th -        We only watch over (to maintain) what is good. All those who are used to express the life of Christ must be kept alive in faith, so that everything good that the Eternal One placed on them (gifts, talents, truth) is not lost; rather, serve to ensure that everyone can improve your vision about what to watch and what to throw away. All alive work must stay being fed with what is pleasing to Jesus so that the Holy Spirit will continue taking place there (such as happened with fire on the altar of burned offering and on the candlestick - Exodus 27.20; Lev 6.12,13).

But, how do you know what is the alive work or dead work? To discern this, it is necessary to

             7th -        Remember all that Jesus taught. Not all gift is a blessing. Therefore, we must save what Jesus gives us, because this is irreplaceable, being this type of kindness that leads us to repentance (Romans 2.4). Although we should walk in newness of life (Romans 7.6), we ought to advance always to the things that are before us (Phil 3.13,14), 

             8th -        We have to save what Jesus gave us. Four times this is ordained, since everything that Jesus gives us again is nothing more than an enhancement (and renewal) of what is old. That is to say, the role of the Church is not run after the news, but let Jesus to vivify what, being old, was to die (renewed - see Titus 3.4-6). This reminds the Old Testament where the order was not to seek strange fire (Lev 10.1.2), but keep the fire of Eternal One alive launching in it new timber (Exodus 27.20; Lev 6.9,12,13; 24.2).

It is clear that, for this, we need

             9th -        Be prepared to pay the price in order to:

a.    have in the heart the Truth and the right people, and not the things and people which, although we like, nothing good adds in us. On the contrary: only fill us with frustration;

b.    We can be dressed of the justice of the Kingdom of Heaven, and not with what it seems fair to our eyes. The idea is not to practice the Righteousness of the Babylonian System for the benefit of their fans, but let Jesus reveals the true meaning of justice;

c.    We be able to receive from Jesus His way of seeing things, so that we may see everything with good eyes (Matt 6.22.23; Luke 11.33-36) and there is in us place to be built the character of Christ.

Finally being able to

           10th -        Zeal for those who Jesus gave us, instead of us to become conformed to see them getting lost in the world or having the gifts and talents of the Eternal One in their life being used indiscriminately by unscrupulous people.

However, this zeal will only have meaning when we sense in ourselves the sadness of living a life that brings no benefit to the neighbor.

 

Note how repentance and to preserve what is Jesus in our life are two leading factors. Only the brothers of Smyrna does not receive any of these two exhortations. We should always be moaning our imperfections, because that is what makes our heart better (Ecc 7.3; James 4.8,9).

Notice how each of the exhortations represents one of the requirements to bring us closer to Jesus.

Rewards To The Winners

The order of the promises in the seven letters corresponds to that which shows the unfolding of the kingdom of the Eternal One: its beginning on earth and consummation in heaven:

 

·         1st letter: the tree of life (Rev 2.7) - remembering the tree of life (Genesis 2.9) and in contrast with the punishment that fell upon the woman (Gen 3:16) and with the prohibition of eating from the tree of life (Genesis 3.24).

·         2nd letter: do not suffer the hurt of the second death (Rev 2.11) - in response to the death that entered the world because of man's sin (Genesis 2:17; 3:19; Romans 5.12); 

·         3rd letter: 

o   The hidden manna (Rev 2.17) - remembering the manna poured out to the people of Israel in the wilderness (Exodus 16.31), the manna that was hidden in the ark of the covenant (Exodus 16.33 - which after Solomon is no longer found there - 2Chr 5:10) and in contrast to the curse of having to eat of the sweat of his face (Gen 3:19);

o   A white stone, and on the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receives (Rev 2.17) - in contrast with the various precious stones that exist in Eden (Gen 2.11,12; Ezek 28.13) and in response to the stones of the Old Testament that contained the names of the tribes of Israel: the two onyx stones that stood upon the shoulders of the ephod were the names of the 12 tribes (six names on each stone - Exodus 28.9-12); in each of the twelve precious stones that were set in the breastplate of judgment, was the name of one tribe of Israel (Exodus 28.17,21);

·         4th letter: 

o   Power over the nations (Rev 2.26,27) - in contrast with the thorns and thistles that the earth would produce because of the disobedience of man (Gen 3:18). Here it ends the earthly promises;

o   Morning Star (Rev 2.28) - in response to Isaiah 14.12, where the devil became the morning star of the corrupted  world and was attempting to Eve in Eden (Gen 3.1-5; 1 Tim 2.14). This reminds Rev 12.1.

·         5th letter: 

o   The same shall be clothed in white garments (Rev 3.5) - in contrast with the filthy garments of the High Priest Joshua (Zech 3.3.4), as well as the garments of fig leaves that Adam sewed (Gen 3.7) and to the filthy rags of human righteousness (Isaiah 64.6);

o   I will not blot out his name from the book of life (Rev 3.5) - in contrast to the rejection of Israel by the Eternal One (Num 14.12; 2Kings 23.27; Jer 31.37; 33.26), with the promise of scratching of His book who sinned against Him (Exodus 33.33) and of the earth have become cursed because of Adam (Genesis 3.17). If, on the one hand, the memory of the natural man falls into oblivion when he dies (Ecc 9.5.6), Jesus gives the winner a good name (Prov 22.1; Ecc 7.1); 

o   I will confess His name before My Father and before His angels (Rev 3.5) - remembering the image and likeness of the Eternal One which is to exist in the family (Gen 1.25,26) and in contrast with Jesus denying before the Father who denies that before men (Matthew 10.33 - as seen in Matthew 7.21-23; 25.12; Luke 13.23-28).

·         6

·th letter: 

o   Be a pillar in the temple of the God of Jesus, and never leave it (Rev 3.12) - in contrast to the ban from the Garden of Eden (Gen 3.23,24). In response to several psalms, where people are trying to find a fixed place to the Eternal One in their lives (Psalm 42.1; 63.1; 69.3; 84.4,5,10; 121.1; 130.5,6; 132.3-5), here it is promised to the faithful a place where they can contemplate His face and His wonderful works uninterruptedly. (Jesus is not to be placed in a place as amulet)

o   Have the name of the God of Jesus written about themselves, as well as the name of the city of His God, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, and also His new name (Rev 3.12) - in contrast to the name that man and woman receive of the Eternal One (Gen 5.1,2). While many argue little strength to retain the Holy Spirit within them (for example, not to grieve Him - Eph 4.30), here the person was set in the lives of those who believe in the power of the love of Jesus, by His body, for the life of Christ in them that identifies them as a seal, so that no one has the authority to take them away (John 10.28,29);

·         7th letter: sit with Jesus on the throne; as Jesus overcame and sat down with His father on His throne. (Rev 3.21) - in contrast with the domain (Gen 1.28) that the man gave Ha-Satan when he sinned (Luke 4.6; John 14:30; Eph 2.1.2; 1John 5.19) and in response to the image and likeness of the Eternal One (Gen 1.26,27) that the man lost, but that is being retrieved from glory to glory (2Cor 3.18), even as we may be like He is (1 John 3:2).

 

The first prize that the individual receives is the access to the tree of life, i.e., Jesus and His branches (the Church - John 15.1). If the guy walking in the light, He shall remain in communion and the blood of Jesus will rid the individual of the hurt of the second death (1John 1.7), i.e., to sin against the plan of the Eternal One in the life of the brothers.

If he walk in the ways of Christ and observe their ordinance, also will judge His home, keep its courts  and receive free access in the Church (Zech 3.7), which will allow them to have access to the "hidden manna", i.e., to the special revelation about everything Jesus did in a supernatural way in His Church when it passed through the wilderness of life (this means having an idea of where Jesus comes - see Exodus 16.32; John 8.14). 

From then on, the winner will receive a white stone, and on the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receives it. In other words, he will receive the knowledge of new identity of Christ, which implies in seeing oneself and others in a new form, spiritually (2Cor 5:16).

Imbued with all of this, the individual will be ready to receive the abundance of Favor of the Eternal One and the gift of righteousness, i.e., to receive the power to reign in life over sin, the world (including nations) and death through Jesus (Romans 5.17).

Hereforth, the individual will be seen seated in heavenly places (Eph 1.3; 2.6) with the morning star, i.e., preaching the Word that proceeds from the mouth of the Eternal One (2Pet 1:19) in the midst of a world immersed in darkness (Isaiah 9.1.2; Matt 4.15.16; Luke 21.25-28).

And don't think that this individual will be a blessing just in oneself. They will be used to transform the lives around them and dress up with their acts of righteousness (white garments). In no way their name will be deleted from the book of life, i.e., they will no longer be used by Jesus.

On the contrary: their name will be confessed by Jesus before His Father and before His angels, i.e., more will be heard of Jesus through them. 

After both be exercised in love, mercy and truth, the individual, who was already serving as a pillar and bulwark of the truth here on earth (1Tim 3:15), now they’ll be done column in the heavenly Church (the temple of the God of Jesus). To be more clear: it is one thing to be a reference of truth in a world full of injustice and deceit; another is to be worthy of being a reference to the truth in a world where truth and justice is everywhere.

And so that no one had no doubt that the truth that they confirmed it was true and perfect (without adding or taking, or modify anything), this individual receives in oneself three identifications: the name of the God of Jesus written about oneself, as well as the name of the city of his God, the New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from His God, and also His new name.

That is to say, it is testified that the truth proclaimed by the individual confirms who the Eternal One is in heaven (as Creator One), on earth (as Redeemer) and the church (as sanctifier and purifier).

Finally, the individual can enter into the rest of Jesus (Heb  4.11), coming to rest and always expect  in Him (Psalms 37.7) or, if you prefer, to serve as a seat of authority of Jesus, someone in whom He is well pleased and uses to confirm fully His authority over everything and everyone.

In short: the individual finally becomes the temple of continuous habitation of the Eternal One, as He always wanted (1Cor 3:16; 6:19; 2Cor 6:16; 1John 2.27).

Finally, in each promise was a way adopted by Jesus to bring the winner closer to Himself. In other words, Jesus grants:

 

1ª -   Their spiritual food (John 6.51-57). Who fed oneself of Jesus, receives 

2ª -   His  definitive victory over death (separation). Henceforward, the individual passes enjoy

3ª -   Daily intimacy with Him (by means of the Word that comes out of His mouth in response to how he should proceed to carry the load of each brother (Gal 6.2)), which enables them to

4ª -   Abundance of Favor of the Eternal One. This abundance gives them the power to express the direction of Truth in the midst of the events that involve those that are present in their life (see Zechariah 3.7). In other words, the brother receives the prophetic word, which, if they follow, they’ll see Jesus operating

5ª -   His justice, which will make them known to the faithful and, mainly, known in heavenly places (Eph 1.3; 2.6), so as to be able to have free access to the Kingdom of Heaven and count with the help of angels at the service of Jesus. By persevering in it, the individual receives

6ª -   The blessing of being an integral part of His sanctuary, namely, the heart of the people of Jesus, so as to have the privilege of continuous contact with Jesus. This will allow the individual to receive a continuous mark in their life, to wit, the accurate knowledge (the one of Jesus) about who is the Creator One, the holy city and He Himself. 

7ª -   The privilege of being led by Him in everything and, of course, be able to rest and wait all the time in the pleasure of His company.

 

In short: To keep the winner by Him, God gives themselves:

 

    1st -     Livelihoods.

   2nd -    The ability to connect to others;

   3rd -     Relationship with Him and with the brothers.

    4th -     Power;

    5th -     Justice and spiritual recognition;

    6th -     Fixed place in His body;

    7th -     Their continue presence to guide us;

 

In this way, no one has an excuse to say that it is difficult to have communion with Christ and do His will. It comes the question: but if this is a reward for the winner, apparently this means that we can only get this blessing after the final judgment. How, then, do until then?

Although the complete victory is achieved on this occasion, this does not mean that this will be the only victory. In fact, every time we leave Jesus use his Word to lead us in the midst of an adversity in our lives, one victory is computed in the Kingdom of Heaven in our favor. We must overcome the world, sin and Ha-Satan every day.