Have you ever been in a season of instability? A time in which you just can't seem to make sense of what is going on in and around you? I think we have all had one or two of those seasons in our life; times when we find it difficult to keep our hearts steady in the face of uncertainty.
Today, as I was studying the description of Jesus found in Revelation 1, I found myself reading the letters written to the seven churches of Asia (Rev 2-3). As I read, and observed each ones corresponding title (which has been added for our study benefit), I began to realize that each letter was crafted in a very deliberate way; having one main attribute of Jesus highlighted from John's description of Him at the beginning of the vision. But not only that, each attribute is specific to the struggle of each particular church.
For example, the letter to the "loveless" church (Ephesus) begins with a description of Jesus holding the seven stars in His right hand and His eyes like a flame of fire. Jesus calls the church to return to their first love. He wants them to love Him first and He has given them a revelation of His intimate nature to help motivate and stabilize their hearts in doing so.
Likewise, the persecuted church is given a revelation that Jesus was once dead, but is now alive forever and ever. They need to be able to remain steadfast under the threat of death and so Jesus reveals Himself as being the One who overcame death and gives eternal life to those who believe in Him.
And so it goes on from there, each church receiving a specific revelation of Jesus that will enable them to remain steady in the midst of their unique trial and difficulty.
As I read these letters my heart got excited! What an awesome demonstration of His perfect leadership and the importance of seeing Jesus for who He truly is. It is what A.W. Tozer calls the "knowledge of the Holy" and what Proverbs describes; that "without a vision (revelation) the people cast of restraint".
Jesus gives each church a specific revelation of His heart that will empower them to not cast of restraint or fall short of their calling. They must perserver until the end if they are to inherit their various rewards; the crown of life, the right to eat of the tree of life, to be pillars in the temple of the Lord and never leave His presence, and Jesus knows what it will take for them to remain steadfast in the face of uncertainty.
Beloved, there is only one thing that will stabilize our hearts as we face a world of ever growing uncertainty. It is not a balanced portfolio, it is not a secure career, nor is it found in the comforts of modern living and seemingly solid relationships. The one thing that is needed is an experiential knowledge of Jesus and the affection that He has for us.
In the words of the song writer; "When we see You we find strength to face the day, and in your presence all our fears are washed away." (Hosanna - Paul Baloche)
I pray that God would give to you a spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him today.
Jon
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