From Wordsworth The Prelude 1805, Book XI, (258-265).
There are in our existence spots of time,
Which with distinct pre-eminence retain
A vivifying virtue, whence, depressed
By false opinion and contentious thought,
Or ought of heavier or more deadly weight,
In trivial occupations, and the round
Of ordinary intercourse, our minds
Are nourished and invisibly repaired
We will be convening here at the ZigZag café, Suisse, on Thursdays for conversation and dialogue.
I invite you to stop by every Thursday for the question of the day. Your thoughts and participation are most welcome. Pull up a stool, avec un café, un thé, ou un chocolat chaud, et un croissant, and join in here on Thursday at the ZZ café.
For today:
What’s so compelling about good stories?
In the next few weeks I’ll be posting on John Stott’s excellent new book: The Living Church. Stott is a writer, pastor, and teacher who is well worth reading.
This chapter sets out what Stott calls God’s vision for the church. Question: What would you see as necessary marks or traits of God’s church? Stott is a person who is about church through and through. His vocabulary for the church is ‘God’s new community.’ Stott argues that all believers should be committed to church, its mission, and its renewal because God is committed to these. Each of the three are essential. But what is a living church and God’s vision of church? Stott offers us a picture from Acts 2:42-47: 42 They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43 Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. 44 All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45 Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. 46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved. ‘The early church,’ Stott states, ‘was radically stirred by the Holy Spirit.’ In following Luke’s recounting we notice four marks of this Pentecost event, which will help us in shaping the church today. First, a living church is a learning church. ‘Devoted to the apostolic teaching,’ according to Stott, didn’t mean that people left their intellects behind in exchange for a mystical experience or that because the Holy Spirit had arrived they no longer needed a teacher. True, says Stott, the New Testament apostles are no longer with us, but we do have in the New Testament their teaching and witness. Second, a living church is a caring church. ‘Fellowship’ is to be taken seriously and we’re to make a difference in extending generosity wherever possible. Third, a living church is a worshipping church. Joy and reverence are to be combined in a mixture of both formal and informal structures. Fourth, a living church is an evangelistic church. Mission and outreach are to identify the people of God.
Jesus tells his disciples in John 14:1, “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God, believe also in me.” Today, make it a point to affirm your belief in God and Jesus. May your hearts not be troubled.
For the next few weeks I'll be posting on Revelation 2:1-3:22 - the Seven Letters to the Churches - out of my new book Living Apocalypse: A Revelation Reader and A Guide for the Perplexed.
The Letter to Sardis (3:1-6)
Introduction
This ancient city was built on a steep hill and was known for its past wealth and commerce. In Sardis there were temples dedicated to Artemis and to Cybele, a goddess thought to have the power to bring the dead to life.
A secluded city, Sardis tended to lack vigilance as it was twice captured by enemies for failing to post guards at the city walls, an interesting parallel to the problem in the church. Seclusion often produces complacency, just as embracing the world produces compromise.
Many churches today are similar to this city. Attempts to seclude and separate proliferate, while there is a wholesale failure to post guards at hearts, minds and imaginations, which are deeply entrenched in worldly ways.
Text
(1-3) These words are spoken by the One who has the ‘seven spirits of God.’ This phrase, as understood back in 1:4, symbolizes the Holy Spirit (see also Zech. 4:1-10; Rev. 5:6). The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches (see 1:20).
The risen Christ knows the deeds of the church in Sardis. Their reputation is one of being alive, but in reality the community is dead. There may have been some evidence of life, but in verses 2-3 they are told with five imperatives that it is not sufficient. They were commanded to “Be watchful,” “strengthen what remains,” “remember what was received and heard,” “keep it,” and “repent.” Their lives were characterized by a lack of completion, constantly falling short of full commitment and vigilance. They needed to turn from their complacency and re-orient their lives.
If the church at Sardis is not watchful they are warned that Christ will come to them in judgement. This probably should be thought of as present judgement, even though ‘the thief coming’ is a reference to final judgement in several contexts. Often in the Apocalypse this kind of language can refer to a visitation of judgement in the present, typologically prefiguring the final judgement. In any case, the second coming will come whether the church is watchful or not, and this seems to confirm the previous interpretation of a present judgment in this context.
(4) The word used here is ‘yet’ or ‘nevertheless.’ This time it is not an introduction to what Christ has against the church, but rather an affirmation that there are some in the church who have not accommodated to the general laxness regarding pagan attitudes, lifestyles, and the church’s half-hearted commitment to Christ. Those who have not adopted this way of life, but have held on to Christ wholeheartedly will walk with him dressed in white, a reference to those justified. Following the crucified and risen One is a task and joy that demands loyalty and faithfulness. “For they are worthy” refers to their justification through the work of Christ and to the fact that they have not done anything to jeopardize that position.
(5-6) There are three promises to those who overcome. First, they are promised to be dressed in white, or ‘justified’ before God (7:9, 10, 13-17). Second, the ones who overcome are never to be blotted out of the book of life; in other words, he/she has everlasting life. Third, is the promise that Christ will acknowledge their names before his Father and the angels. “Let anyone who has an ear listen to what the Spirit says to the churches.”
Summary
The fourth and fifth letters to the churches in 2:18-3:6 have been analysed. Both letters, as in all the previous ones, affirm the speaker as Christ. In the letter to Thyatira he is described as the Son of God “whose eyes are like blazing fire and whose feet are like burnished bronze.” He commends the church for her works, love, faith, and perseverance. However, there were some who were compromising with false teachings to the extent that Christ announces his imminent judgement if they do not repent. He instructs those who haven’t compromised to hold on to what they have until he comes. The one who overcomes and does the works of Christ will be given a share of his authority over the nations.
The second letter is to Sardis. In this letter Christ is described as the holder of the seven spirits of God and the seven stars, both of which are referred to in chapter 1. Again, the presence of the risen Christ is emphasized in his words, “I know your deeds.” Apparently the church at Sardis had a fine external reputation for being alive, but Christ says that in reality it is dead. They are admonished to, “Be watchful, strengthen what remains, remember what was received and heard, keep it and repent.” They too are warned that if they are not watchful Christ will come to them in judgement. However, there are some in Sardis who have not fallen into complacency and away from commitment. They will walk with the risen Christ. Anyone who overcomes is promised everlasting life and acknowledgement by Christ before his Father.
Remember we’re not alone. As we celebrate Pentecost we can be thankful that the Holy Spirit was poured out and that he guides and directs our lives as Christ’s presence with us until the end of the age.
In the next few weeks I’ll be posting on John Stott’s excellent new book: The Living Church. Stott is a writer, pastor, and teacher who is well worth reading.
Stott begins his account with a Preface entitled ‘Emerging Churches.’ In spite of all the books today about church, Stott thinks we are in a time of crisis and that the church may be way out of step with the culture in unhelpful ways. He finely balances the need for Christians to be attuned to culture and to also be counter-cultural. ‘Scripture is unchangeable,’ Stott writes, ‘culture is not.’ We are to conserve Scriptural teaching, yet be radicals. Traditional and emerging churches need to be open to dialogue and learning from each other. Persistent practices of both types of churches are to identify with Jesus, avoid the sacred-secular divide, and be authentic communities.
We will be convening here at the ZigZag café, Suisse, on Thursdays for conversation and dialogue.
I invite you to stop by every Thursday for the question of the day. Your thoughts and participation are most welcome. Pull up a stool, avec un café, un thé, ou un chocolat chaud, et un croissant, and join in here on Thursday at the ZZ café.
For today:
What are two significant points of Pentecost for today?
When cycles of fear and doubt surge in and through us, we need to try to be aware that we’re not alone. God and others are with us and share in what we’re working through. Thinking it’s only us will alienate us and make us have a sense of isolation and disconnection from everyone else. True, those close to us may not have a clue, and I know that’s hard. In these circumstances, however, it is crucial to recognize and remember that we’re also part of a non-geographical global community of believers, many of whom do understand us and share our plight as we long for renewal, practice hope, and search for God.
Impoverished spirituality separates sacred and secular into ironclad compartments. Living spirituality resists this unfortunate framing, stressing that it is crucial to realize that Christ is Lord of all of life and to live in the light of that truth.
For the next few weeks I'll be posting on Revelation 2:1-3:22 - the Seven Letters to the Churches - out of my new book Living Apocalypse: A Revelation Reader and A Guide for the Perplexed.
The Letter to Thyatira (2:18-29)
Introduction
Thyatira was the least known and least remarkable of all the cities in the letters. The city was rather plain, not having the visual splendor or character of the others. The words of the letter are addressed to a developing church in a growing city, neither of which had gained the prominence of Ephesus.
We learn from the ancient inscriptions that Thyatira was a manufacturing center comprising wool and garment workers, potters, dyers, tanners, and bronze smiths. From these inscriptions we also learn that trade guilds, or what we might today call trade unions, were set up for the craftspeople. These guilds played a major role in the life of the city.
Trade was so important to the Thyatirans that they even had their own god, Tyrimnos, who was a provider and advocate for the city trades. Some coins manufactured here had this god pictured on them. Tyrimnos is represented as grasping the emperor’s hand, while other coins celebrate the deification of the emperor Domitian’s son, portraying him seated on a globe surrounded by seven stars.
Because of such strong Roman influences, we again need to be aware of the activity of the imperial cult in this city. The Thyatiran Christians were exposed to an organized paganism which impinged on their lives in many ways.
John writes to assure them and to warn them about the dangers of succumbing to these influences. The words of the victorious Christ show he is the true patron of the church and its work. He is the ‘Son of God’ arrayed with notably very similar characteristics as the carefully refined metal produced in the furnaces of their city.
As we look at the letter in more detail, keep this introduction to the local context in mind as it will be helpful, even essential, to understanding the text. We will see that a raised awareness of environmental particulars provides a useful picture for relevant theological application that holds true for our own contexts and situations. Whenever we can have pertinent background information about a city, its people, and culture it will enhance and enrich our interpretation of the text.
Text
(18) The title, ‘the Son of God’ appears here for the first and only time in the Apocalypse. The Son of God stands in stark contrast to the local deities and the Roman emperor. He is the crucified and risen One, the true and only Son of God. The eyes of blazing fire and the feet of burnished bronze no doubt carry local significance for the Thyatirans and at the same time leave no question as to whose words these are. This same description is used by John as he turns to see who is speaking to him in the first vision (see 1:12-16).
(19-20) The risen Christ is not unaware of the deeds of the Thyatirans. John notes there is more love, faith, service, and perseverance than there was previously. (This church then stands in contrast to Ephesus where the believers are told to do the things they did at first). However, there are some problems with the church. The teaching of the prophetess Jezebel is misleading believers. Consequently, this false teaching is similar to that of the Nicolaitans in the letter to Pergamum.
Jezebel of the Old Testament is the link. It was she who enticed many Israelites to the cult of Baal (1 Kings 18:4, 19). The parallel is, as Jezebel in the Old Testament misled the Israelites, this Jezebel in Thyatira is doing the same thing in the midst of the church. Often in these letters the greatest threat to believers is the threat from within. The contrast between untruth and truth is subtle, yet profound. A half-truth is usually more deceptive than an outright lie. Therefore, in our own day, whether it’s Greek philosophy, materialism, New Age, or some form of contemporary humanism, Christians must be aware that the threat is as real from inside as it is from outside the church.
(21) The woman representing Jezebel is a destructive influence who refuses to repent, implying that the prophetess has already been warned. She has been given time, but she has refused.
(22-23a) The result of the refusal to repent is impending judgement. She will be inflicted with suffering and her followers will suffer great tribulation unless they repent, literally, of her works. Her children will be killed, putting an end to her misleading seduction into a compromised Christianity.
Certainly, the Christians of Thyatira were in a difficult place. As I mentioned earlier, the trade unions were likely to have been a focal part of local life. There is some evidence for feasts or assemblies taking place in the city. These types of functions were probably where the pressure was put on to conform to various forms of idolatry or sexual immorality. I imagine many fraternities or organizations today are similar. Because of business reasons, if being a member of the ‘right’ organization is advantageous, many Christians might think, “Why not? It’s not really idolatrous or immoral to be involved in various initiation rites and besides, being a member of that social group is good for business.” We must be careful here not to compromise. Idolatry is a serious, although a not always evident, matter.
(23b) The judgement over Thyatira in verses 22-23a will not go unnoticed. All the churches will realize that it is Christ who searches the inner being and it is he who will give to each one according to his or her deeds (Jas. 2:14 ff; Rom. 2:3 ff).
(24-25) Christ now addresses those who have not compromised. No other burden will be placed on them. They are to hold onto what they have, a reference most likely to verse 19, until Christ’s return.
(26-29) Two things are to be given to those who overcome and do the works of Christ, as contrasted here to the works of Jezebel in verse 22.
First, those who overcome will be given authority over the nations. In support of this a loose quote from Psalm 2:8-9, a messianic Psalm is given, probably chosen because the objects ‘iron scepter’ and ‘pottery’ had local significance in the life of Thyatirans.
This is another central motif in the Apocalypse. Those who overcome will actually have the privilege of ruling with the conquering Christ. He has been given authority over the nations and his rule is an everlasting one that will continue from age to age.
Everyone who overcomes and does the work of God is now given authority in a similar way as the Messiah himself. The authority he has received—the authority that belongs to him and him only—is now to be shared with those who remain faithful to the end. The faithful not only share in Christ’s victory, but also in his never-ending rule. This is the first promise.
Second, those who overcome are given the morning star. This is another difficult symbol, much as the white stone in the previous letter. It may have had some local, even national significance in that the morning star was thought to represent Venus and was a symbol of sovereignty and victory. If it is used in this way it is further assurance that Christ, not Venus, is the victor and finally reigns over all, and this victory is also shared with and given to those who overcome (Rev. 22:16 shows Christ as morning star, or victor). This is the second promise.
What is given is important in this letter. First, we have Jezebel being given time to repent. Second, Christ gives to each according to their deeds. Third, in contrast to this, anyone who overcomes and does his works is given his authority and ultimate victory. “Let anyone who has an ear listen to what the Spirit says to the churches.”
We will be convening here at the ZigZag café, Suisse, on Thursdays for conversation and dialogue.
I invite you to stop by every Thursday for the question of the day. Your thoughts and participation are most welcome. Pull up a stool, avec un café, un thé, ou un chocolat chaud, et un croissant, and join in here on Thursday at the ZZ café.
For today:
There is a mass exodus from traditional churches going on. What are you doing? Staying in? – getting out?
In Proverbs 13:10-14. By insolence the heedless make strife, but wisdom is with those who take advice. Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a desire of goodness fulfilled is a tree of life. The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life so that one might avoid the snares of death.
Our communities are to be trees of life. Living trees that have roots in Scripture; trunks of solid Christian teaching, apologetics, prayer, mission, innovative cultural insights, and hospitality; branches that stretch out in symmetrical, yet diverse directions; and leaves that flourish because of their dependence on being connected to the rest of the tree, while at the same time bringing nourishment and contributing something vital so that the tree remains strong and living.
Theology cannot remain stuck in books and classrooms, but must become part of our own stories. Making truths our own is crucial and there is nothing more vital for living spirituality than welcoming new and foreign redemptive perspectives into our lives, that in turn will be lived out for others.
We will be convening here at the ZigZag café, Suisse, on Thursdays for conversation and dialogue.
I invite you to stop by every Thursday for the question of the day. Your thoughts and participation are most welcome. Pull up a stool, avec un café, un thé, ou un chocolat chaud, et un croissant, and join in here on Thursday at the ZZ café.
For today:
In today’s world that is often described as Post Christian, Post Modern, Post Church, Post – Everything, how are you surviving?
