Various Articles
change is coming, it is easier to start laying the groundwork for succession, but that can be short-sighted. There is wisdom in succession plans that consider the unknown. No one knows how many days they have left to live in this age. Illness can come on suddenly, and tragic accidents happen frequently.
It is Sunday morning. What are you going to do this morning (or, depending on when you read this, what did you do this morning)? It is the first day of the week; did you spend it on yourself, or did you give some of your time in worship of Yahweh our God and in remembrance of his son, Jesus, our savior? Most of those reading this likely attended a local church this morning, but some of you may have needed to work, or perhaps there was another reason for not being in church today.
If Solomon valued children so much why didn’t he have more? The most likely answer is that Solomon’s next wife was the daughter of the Pharoah of Egypt. She worshipped idols and brought them into the royal palace. Many Biblical scholars believe that Solomon had no more children as punishment for allowing idolatry to enter his family.
Motivating my four children, ages 4 to 12, requires different strategies. My 12-year-old is motivated by rewards, i.e., if you do all your chores and then some extra work, you can have an extra 30 minutes playing the Switch. Consequences, however, don’t seem to faze her quite as much. The other 3 children are less cut and dry and require a more measured approach with rewards and consequences; however, one great challenge is follow-through. As busy parents with hundreds of things to do each day and limited energy reserves, it can be difficult to be consistent and follow through on our threats and promises.
The first half of the Psalm is a Song of Rejoicing. It likely refers to the time when Israel returned from their time in Exile. King Cyrus of Persia released the exiles in Israel and allowed them to return to Israel where they could live in freedom and rebuild the city of Jerusalem and the Temple. It was a time of rejoicing. It was a time of rejoicing, laughter, songs of joy. The surrounding nations could see how God did great things for them. Sadly over time Israel faced a whole new set of trials. So God’s people pray that once again God would step in and bless his people and restore their fortunes.
The Christian life begins with a good foundation, but a foundation is meant to be built upon. Jude appeals to us to be "building yourselves up on your most holy faith.” We build through an active relationship with our Lord Jesus and his people, by a deliberate effort to know and live the truth of scripture. We build both individually and corporately.
Laodicea was a very wealthy, abundant city. When destroyed by an earthquake, they refused to take Roman funds but instead paid themselves to rebuild it back to its prosperous state. It was full of strong, independent, rich people. And yet, it is listed as a church with no positive attributes and only rebuke from Jesus. In fact, Jesus writes of his desire to spit or vomit them out (v.16). Ouch.
The most common accusation made against followers of Christ is that of hypocrite: we say one thing but do another; our words are inconsistent with our actions. Such accusations are not unfounded: we inevitably will fail from time to time to live up to the perfect standard. The real problem is when we deliberately choose a lifestyle inconsistent with our profession of faith.
This church received praise for holding fast to Jesus Christ, his teachings and his name. Jesus acknowledges that he has seen their works, knows they don’t have much strength, and yet they have persevered (v.8). His encouragement to them was focused on condemnation for their enemies, and validating his love for them to those who may have been persecuting them (v.9). He also describes how their patient faithfulness will save them from later suffering when the world is experiencing testing and trials (v.10). Not only would this serve as encouragement for those believers, but it would have also served as a strong reminder of what they needed to continue doing in order to experience those promises!
Our hope is based, not on “cleverly devised tales,” but rather the testimony of “eyewitnesses of His majesty.” As such, our hope and lifestyle is not based on philosophy, as with other religions, but upon that which is factual and established by those who were there. This is extremely significant; “we have the prophetic word made more sure” (verse 19). As the saying goes, “you can go to the bank” on this; it is absolutely certain.
Sardis was a church full of barely believers who were just scratching the surface of what it means to be a Christian. Full of people coming together and going through the motions, maintaining the look of a “good” church, and yet missing out on true spirituality and fellowship with Christ. People who weren’t motivated by their love of Christ, or love of others, but rather by their desire to be viewed with the “Christian” label. That is why Jesus calls this church to remember what they learned at first, Biblical truths of who he is and what the Kingdom will be, hold it fast, clinging to these truths with passion and deep love, and repent, because where they are is dangerous for their salvation (v.3). Jesus uses the analogy of a thief coming at an unknown time because he knows this would be an image that resonates with this group of people, and he desperately wants to convey the urgency behind his words.
“all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, for God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble. Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you. Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. But resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being accomplished by your brethren who are in the world” 1 Peter 5:5-9.
Humility hardly seems to be a prized quality but, in recent studies by psychologists, it is touted as “not the boldest of personality traits, but it’s an important one.” Studies even indicate that it is “a remarkable character trait …Humility can produce more happiness, positive emotions, and well-being because a person has a clearer understanding of the self.”
Personal benefits aside, our Creator Father places a premium on humility. It is the pathway of grace, whereas pride is fiercely resisted by Him. The way of peace and grace is humility.
Humility extends empathy and compassion to others. It also assesses our inability to manage our cares and concerns, and directs us to cast them on our compassionate Father. Additionally, humility is key in an awareness of the dangers of the spiritual battles that rage around us. Pride puffs us up with a false sense of fitness for combatting the devil and his schemes. Through humility, we bear up under spiritual warfare, and share in the sufferings of others in the family of God undergoing similar experiences.
The priority of humility, elaborated by the apostle Peter, is in sharp contrast that his former way of life. Known for impulsive action, arrogant posturing, and prideful assertions, he obviously learned the way of humility through the failures of pride. His example speaks almost as loudly as his words. There are lessons to be learned from his example and words - today, and every day.
©Steve Taylor, 2025 --Used by permission
Be sure to also see Amazon ebook & print devotional and podcast: New Day Dawning.
Now getting into the praise Thyatira received: The church here was doing good work, and it seems that they were improving in this throughout their existence too! They are commended for their love, faith, service, and perseverance (v.19). This was a group of active Christians who clearly cared deeply for their community. They had a big focus on outreach and growth. Both great things to aspire for!
Love can be fickle and transitory. We “love” certain foods, music, books, and activities, but our preferences may change. Even love for a spouse can change in that nearly half of all marriages end in divorce. But, the love instilled in God’s people has basis for permanence in that it is based upon something not “perishable but imperishable, that is, through the living and enduring word of God.” It is truly love that will endure because it is based, not on personal whim, but the living, enduring word of God.
