December 29

Revelation 1-5
Perhaps the most controversial book in the Bible, Revelation holds truths that are to be ingrained and honored.  It is filled with prophetic language that is difficult to interpret, and I will not even begin to pretend that I fully understand all that is written.  Having said that, I do understand the first three chapters quite well.  Jesus addresses the seven churches of Asia.  He has problems with six of them.  Yet, He calls all seven of them His church.  I dare say that many Christians would have trouble offering their hand in fellowship to some of these churches.  And, in their refusal to fellowship, they would be going against the will of God.  Jesus clearly states, “Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest, and repent.”  If He loves them, dare we do any less?  True, He calls them to repentance, but He still loves them and calls them His own.  The divisions we have in Christendom are to our shame.  As the church of God, we need to repent, and promote unity in the love of Christ.