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Disconnect

I have just read John’s prophecies to the 7 churches which were in various cities in Turkey during the first century. These were city wide churches and probably included more than 1 congregation. The prophecy to each church was clearly connected to the city where the church was located which means that these churches were incarnated into the larger world around them rather than being extracted from the culture.

These prophecies were to be given to the angels of these churches. Angels in this case probably means messenger sent by the churches to see John. So, a delegation arrives on Patmos where John is exiled, and in response to what they say, John hears from God what he is to give to the messengers who then relay that to the churches they represent.


The first thing Jesus reveals to John is a powerful visual image of his reign as Lord and King of these churches. John is summoned into the presence of the King and hears his decrees about each church. It is clear why Jesus reminded John and ultimately the churches of his Lordship over them. The prophecies are pretty intense:  “ Your church is exactly where Satan’s throne is” “ I know everything you do”  “ You allow wicked people to have influence in the church” “ You are going to experience a time of suffering” “ I have wonderful things in store for you” “ Change your ways or I will remove you.” The King speaks truth to people in his churches. The resoundingly clear message is that there can be a disconnect between what Jesus values and what churches value. 

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