Hearing and overcoming are two activities in which all believers should be engaged.
Since the words “hear” and “overcometh” is repeatedly used in Revelation chapters 2-3, we should also understand their definition. They are:
Hear: listen, pay attention to
Overcometh: surmounting, conquering, overpowering, getting the best of
These words can be found in the address to each of the seven churches, “He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh…..” This statement leads me to believe the following:
1. The letters to the churches are for all believers to use in improving their Christian stewardship to God and man.
2. The Spirit will speak to those who will listen.
3. Life holds many situations that believers must overcome.
4. If Jesus says to be partakers of specific benefits that He offers, we must be overcomers; then it is doable.
Let’s pray for hearing ears and the Spirit of an Overcomer.
In bible numerology, the number seven represents completion and perfection. In the book of Revelation the number seven will be seen numerous times in various scenarios. The first two sevens are given with their interpretation by Jesus.
They are:
Seven candlesticks: seven churches
Seven Stars: angels, (leaders of the church)
The stars (angel/leaders) found in the right hand of Jesus, which denotes a place of favor and support. The letters to the seven churches directed to the angel (leader) of that particular church. Jesus used the protocol. His message is sent to the leader (pulpit) and not to the church (pew). It was then the leaders’ responsibility to deliver the message to their church.
The candlesticks represent the church as the vehicle that brings light to the world, and a source generates it; namely, Jesus, whose presence is to be in the midst of the church.
Revelation chapters 2- 3 serves as an example of the problems and strengthens not only in the churches of Asia but also in our present-day churches. After studying these churches, some commentators believe each church represented a stage in history from the first century to our current age. For those of you that are lovers of history; this would be a great personal study for you.
To assist us in understanding the letters to the seven churches, many commentators suggest examining the contents of each letter using the following guidelines:
Salutation (greetings)
Commendations (praise)
Reproof (rebuke, existing faults)
Exhortation (admonishment, encouragement)
Promise (pledge)
In our study of chapters 2-3, I will briefly discuss some of the findings from these guidelines of each of the letters. I will also address the characteristics and state of each church.
As we conclude chapter 1, a few helpful hints to remember are:
1. The chapters in Revelation separates two stories which parallel one another; one occurs in the earth and the other in heaven.
2. Revelation covers past, present, and future events.
According to Revelation 1:10, John was in the spirit when Jesus first spoke to him. The voice came from behind him. The voice was loud and clear, but it came from a direction that made it indistinguishable to John. To recognize who was speaking to him, John had to turn to see the voice; and being turned, he saw. (Revelation 1:12)
This was John the beloved disciple, the one who was in Jesus’ inner circle, the one with whom Jesus entrusted His mother when He was on the cross, and the one who was in the spirit on the Lord’s day; yet, he did not recognize the voice of Jesus.
When John turned (changed his position), he saw the greatness of Jesus and all that Jesus represented.
In our Christian walk, though we are spiritual and in a relationship with God, we sometimes do not recognize that God is speaking to us because He is speaking from an unexpected direction. Thus, we need to change our position to receive enlightenment. The things that we hear see, or experience may overwhelm us; however, God is there to strengthen and guide us through the process.
The theme of the book of Revelation can be found in Revelation1:7, which is the return of Jesus Christ to the earth. This verse is not referring to the rapture, but the return of Jesus to the earth to set up His millennium reign on earth after the Battle of Armageddon.
Imagine the day of Christ return. He alerts His angels and body of believers who have been with him in heaven during the tribulation, “This is the day of my return to earth. Get ready we are going to leave at such and such a time.” The time comes, and we begin to descend through space. We leave the third heaven (the abode of God, angels, heavenly creatures, and believers), passed through the second heaven (outer space) seeing the sun, moon, stars, and planets around us, and arrive at the first heaven (earth atmosphere).
What a sight to behold!!! The heaven filled with Jesus, millions of angels, and believers. Our modern day technology will allow every eye to behold Him. As I read the scriptures, I now understand why Jesus had not returned sooner. Many of the events that will happen during the tribulation onward, as recorded in the scriptures, needed high tech devises that are now in existence.
Yes, the world will probably think aliens are invading them. For some, this sight will likely cause a heart attack, while others quake in fear and others take up arms to fight.
Now is our opportunity to choose if we will be in the group descending from heaven or the ones fearfully looking up.
The names of the seven spirits which are before the throne of God are located in Isaiah 11:2. It reads, “And the spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord.”
Let me give you my definition of these spirits:
Spirit of the Lord: the spirit of great power, authority, and rulership.
Spirit of Wisdom: the spirit that enables you to be wise, it gives the power to judge rightly, and follow the soundest course of action based on knowledge, experience, and understanding.
Spirit of Understanding: the spirit that gives comprehension, helps in grasping meanings and perceiving clearly.
Spirit of Counsel: the spirit that gives and receives advice, assist in how to handle the situation, it instructs.
Spirit of Might: the spirit that gives power, and the ability to do, strength, vigor.
Spirit of Knowledge: the spirit that provides learning, awareness, enlightenment.
Spirit of the Fear of the Lord: the spirit of respectful awe, reverence.
Please note how some of these spirits are coupled together in the scripture. This informs us that some spirits work hand-in-hand with each other.
Ex. For believers, we can correctly judge because we grasp what is happening. We do not have an excuse for shortcomings because when we receive counsel, we also have the power to implement it.
Ex. Our learned experience of God produces profound awe and respect. We know that He can do all things from our experience with Him, so we praise and worship Him in all things.
Even as these spirits rested on Jesus, we should daily ask God to allow these spirits to rest on us.
John, the Beloved, youngest of Jesus’ twelve disciples, wrote the book of Revelation. He also wrote the books: St. John, I John, II John, and III John.
John in his senior years was exiled to the island of Patmos: a Roman penal colony off the coast of Asia Minor for preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ. It is believed that he was there on this volcanic, rocky, treeless island for approximately eighteen months.
How long would many of us who enjoy the luxuries of life, and complain about things when they don’t meet our standards, be able to survive? Can you imagine living on a barren, volcanic island without amenities? Most of us would be spending our time disgruntled and expressing our displeasure. John was found in the spirit and receptive to revelation. Could it be possible that God wants to talk to us in our misery? Let’s try getting in the spirit and see what He does!
At one time, the book of Revelation was a complicated and challenging book for me to understand. However, thank God for Dr. Caruthers, my teacher, at the Northeastern Bible College who taught it in such a manner that I could understand and made it possible for me to share it with others.
The first time I taught it at my church to the adult Sunday school class, I took several months sharing the information. The last time I taught it, I took two years to complete the teaching.
I would not classify myself as a theologian or a seminarian, but what I am is an anointed prophetic teacher who enjoys sharing what I have learned with others. There is much to this book that has caused disputes and controversy in the various religious schools of thought. I will not be venturing into those waters. I will; however, attempt to make it comfortable and enjoyable for you to understand.
Revelation in the original Greek means “unveiling” or “disclosure” of hidden things known only to God. God chose to reveal these things to John, who penned them for all to see. Reading Revelation is easy; understanding it can be difficult. This book depicts the end of this present age and the coming of God’s future kingdom through numbers, images, and symbols. As we go through this study, you will learn how to interpret these things. For now, the most important thing to know and remember is that Revelation was not written chronologically. John writes about events and characters which you will have to place in their proper setting. (Don’t fear I will help you do this.)
Finally, as stated in Revelation 1:3 “Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand.”
I invite you “Blessed” to take this journey with me.
The Teacher's Pick 