Scripture to Read: Revelation 2:7
From our Lord Jesus Christ, the final words to the believers at Ephesus are words we will see several more times as we examine God’s Word to the other churches in Revelation chapters 2 and 3. Our Lord says, “he who has an ear,” which includes everyone, or at least everyone willing to listen to our Lord. We know God’s Word in Revelation 2:1-7 was not just written to the church at Ephesus. We also know Revelation 2:1-7 was written to us and all other Christians over the past 2,000 years. God wants our ears to be opened to everything He has to say. But God does not want us only to listen but also to obey what He says (James 1:22-25). We also need to note that our Lord says, “let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” Our Lord was and is speaking to all churches (all believers) because all believers make up His church (His body). God continually speaks to us through His Word and His Holy Spirit who lives in us. We, as His children, are the ones who must be willing to listen and have our ears tuned to His Word. Our Lord closes with “To him who overcomes.” Remember, our Lord rebuked the believers for having left their first love, Him. What they needed to overcome was their lack of love and passion for our Lord. Everyone who overcomes will eat from the tree of life in “the Paradise of God.” The word Paradise means “the place where God lives.” Paradise is definitely where God lives!
Challenge & Application
1. What did God teach you today about listening to and acting upon His Word?
2. How are you actively listening to God and His Word each day and how are you helping other believers to do the same?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!