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Revelation - Part II

The opening chapters of Revelation are pretty clear. It's just some continued instruction to the various churches and their leaders. This morning I read chapter 3, in which John finishes up his messages to the seven churches mentioned in chapter 1. As usual, the Joseph Smith Translation helps to clarify some of the more obscure and obtuse passages.

Couple of things stand out to me:

1. To all, the Lord says he knows their works. This is interesting because it is followed by warnings and counsel that is unique to each. To Sardis He says that he needs to repent and watch because his works are not perfect before God. To Philadelphia, He says that he has a responsibility to stay beside the open door - the door that Christ Himself opened. And to the Laodiceans, the Lord says some interesting things - first, that He is lukewarm (neither hot or cold) and is therefore rejected. Next, the Lord says that he thinks he is rich but is in fact very poor and wretched. Further, the Lord says that those whom He loves will be rebuked and chastened. Finally, the great symbolism of the Lord knocking at the door, and those who hear the knock and will let Him in enjoy the presence of the Lord and His goodness.

2. Each also get a reminder of the rewards that await the faithful. To Sardis, the Lord promises that he will give him white raiment and not blot out his name, but will be his advocate with the Father. To Philadelphia, the Lord promises to make him a pillar in the temple, and will write his name in the City of the New Jerusalem, and will give him a new name. To the Laodiceans, the Lord promises that He will allow them to sit with Him on His Throne, indicating a joint inheritance with Christ.

3. It is interesting to me just how personal and specific the Lord gets with these folks. He is kind, but He is also strong and firm, warning against the effects of their sins. He repeatedly says - I know your works. This reminds me of the episode in the Old Testament, where David and Bathsheba sinned and David sought to hide the effects of his mistake, ultimately having Uriah killed. Nathan the Prophet approached David and told the story of the rich man with many sheep who killed the shepherd with one sheep. David was incensed by the story and demanded to know who it was that would do such a thing. Nathan declared - you, David.

Perhaps we think to hide our sins from the Lord, or think we can put off repenting of them. But the Lord knows all things, and He gives that knowledge to His servants. These servants then have the sacred obligation to eradicate that sin. Ultimately it is for the benefit of those recalcitrant sinners, but the process can be embarrassing and painful.

4. It is also interesting to me that the Lord issues instructions and commands repentance before entering into the main body of the Revelation. I think this is a pattern for life. If we wish to have access to the doctrines of the gospel, we must first make ourselves worthy to receive the light God would/will send us.

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