Aware of our Father's Love. A Study Through the 7 Churches of
Revelation
We will continue our study of the seven churches
of Revelation, an opportunity for us to discover what a church should
look like.
We who live comfortably in countries of peace and
wealth could learn a lot from the believers who live in poor countries.
Take, for example, a church named Lilly of the Valley Church, located in
Desamparados, one of San Jose's poorest areas in Costa Rica.
Their pastor, Rowe, is willing to give almost everything, even his own
salary, to support the growing number of missionaries from his church.
Even though they could benefit from obtaining a much nicer building,
their first goal is to support their missionaries working in Africa. 80%
of their income goes towards preparing new missionaries and supporting
those who are already in the field.
How could they survive like
this, especially with a congregation of 100 members in 2004? Simply put,
they live on faith. Their pastor can only conclude: "First we support
the missionary work, then we live on what's left over, with what
remains. Some months there's a surplus, other months there isn't. But
God is always faithful to supply all our needs."
Is it any wonder
their church is growing? They live according to the church of
Philadelphia in the book of Revelation: "I know your deeds. See, I have
placed before you an open door that no one can shut. I know that you
have little strength, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my
name." (Rev 3:8, NIV2)
The Philadelphian church, unlike most of
the other churches in the book of Revelation, is quite different. They
are aware that they have no strength in themselves, that their strength
comes from the Lord: "For when I am weak, then I am strong." (2Cor
12:10b, NIV2) This is why their deeds are effective. Just like the Lilly
of the Valley Church, they depend solely on their Father. The Word from
our Father is so precious to them that they follow it above anything
else, even over their own desires. No way would they ever deny Jesus. He
is too real to them. He is truly their everything!
It's no wonder
that Jesus has placed before them an open door that no one can shut.
They are the true witnesses of the Most High who put God above anything
else. Their testimony is void of pretense but filled with compassion.
They realize that the One they love is way above anything else. Their
testimony touches the hearts of those who hear them, for their words are
not just words. Instead, they are accompanied by compassionate actions.
No wonder those who oppose them eventually will: "fall down at
your feet and acknowledge that I have loved you." (Rev 3:9b, NIV2) No
one is able to deny that fact, as God's love has totally changed their
heart, so much that they can't help but love others through word and
action. No strings attached! They live the love of Christ as He lives in
them.
Not only that, they ". . . Have kept my command to endure
patiently . . . " (Rev 3:10b, NIV2) Nothing can faze them. Trials and
adversity are part of life, and they realize these are opportunities to
experience Jesus even more fully. They know He will see them through.
They are the ones who live according to Matthew 5:16 "Let your light
shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your
Father in heaven." (Matt 5:16b, NIV2) Notice that their deeds are what
attracts people, and this is what leads others to come to praise our
Father in heaven. Words without action are devoid of love and means
nothing: "Faith without deeds is dead." (Jas 2:26b, NIV2).
Who
else could claim: "We work hard with our own hands. When we are cursed,
we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure it; when we are slandered,
we answer kindly. We have become the scum of the earth, the garbage of
the world-right up to this moment." (1Cor 4:12-13, NIV2)
They
truly shine far and wide as they reflect our Father's light around them,
without any strings attached!
A loving church is possible, but
not without sacrifice. Are we willing to go there?
Rob Chaffart
What Does a Caring Church Look Like?
Today's Bible Verse:
"I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that
no one can shut. I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept
my word and have not denied my name." (Rev 3:8)
What Does a Caring Church Look Like?
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