Year of the Bible: Part Twelve of TwelveChikamu

Love Letters

Jesus’ letters to the churches are filled with truth, guidance, and promises that reveal His love. Today’s common love letters and Jesus’ love letters are vastly different. One thing they may have in common is the pursuit of a love interest. The church is Jesus’ love interest, and He was very intentional with His letters to them, as He is for us today.

Today’s reading addresses the churches in Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, and Thyatira, reassuring each church that God was aware of their patience, endurance, and good deeds. However, He did not want them to forget their initial love for Him by prioritizing the rituals of religion. These letters also affirmed the believers’ ability to persevere in a counterculture and discern. The letters go on to explain that obedience and spiritual discipline are beneficial to our well-being. Along with the accolades and confirmations, these letters held hard truths that led the church to repent from ungodly matters and lean into Jesus.

Anyone willing to hear these letters should pay close attention; the letters are also filled with God’s promises. When we take Jesus’ love letter close to heart, we know that, by faith in Jesus, God will keep us from eternal condemnation and eternal blessings are waiting for us. We also know that God will give us all the provisions we need for hardship while we continue to tolerate the surrounding counterculture without compromise. The precious promise of the Holy Spirit is with you in all that you do by faith in Jesus.

Question: Have you considered the Bible as a love letter from God? Why, or why not?

Prayer: Ask the Lord to reveal the intimate part of His heart as you read scripture. Pray that God gives you the desire to embrace and apply Biblical understanding. Ask Him to provide everything it takes to please Him. Thank Him for pursuing us and writing His love letter.