In Revelation 3, Jesus speaks three devastating words to the church of Sardis: "You are dead." Although they were physically alive, the members of the church were spiritually frozen. Where there had once been fire, there were now only faint embers. Jesus' remedy was straightforward: "Wake up! Strengthen what remains and is about to die. ... Remember, therefore, what you have received and heard; hold it fast, and repent." Jesus' call to the church at large is also a call to us as individuals: Are we awake or asleep? Hot or cold?

The church in Thyatira was a complicated mess. A minority stood firm in the faith. Others, however, simply evoked "see no evil, speak no evil, hear no evil" when it came to heresy and immorality in their midst. Still others actively participated in evil. Christ-followers today face a similar challenge: They must live in love and have charity toward all without compromising their biblical convictions. We can take comfort from Jesus' encouragement: "Hold on to what you have until I come!"

Our world demands we compromise our biblical beliefs and replace them with a secular moral code. Although Jesus had some good thing to say to the church at Pergamum (Revelation 2), He rebuked them for tolerating evil and heresy. We can stand firm and still be kind to those with whom we disagree. Stand firm, in love.

Fathers who don't have to be superheroes. But with God's help, they can be dads who leave a legacy.

Our human nature is to flee trials, poverty and persecution. Jesus encouraged the suffering church of ancient Smyrna with these words: "I know your afflictions and your poverty — yet you are rich!" The body of Christ was facing stress like coal under pressure. Without knowing it, they were becoming immortal diamonds through the work of the Holy Spirit. Their pain held promise and could be used by God for good. Take courage, because He promises to do the same for us.

The church at Ephesus held the line. They worked hard, did good works, maintained sound doctrine and withstood persecution. But in Revelation 2, Jesus said one thing was lacking – and it was no small thing. The people had lost the love they had for God and one another. But there was hope. There was still time to change. Revelation 2 is Jesus' call for all people, in all times, to excel by loving like Him. 

Jesus told us to watch for and eagerly anticipate His return. When He arrives, will we be overjoyed or terrified? Those who long for His return are living for another world in the midst of this one. They long for God's desires to become their desires and for His heart to be reflected on their hearts. Are we living for the now? Or for the eternal?  

It's easy to get sidetracked by the controversy and speculation surrounding the book of Revelation. While there is benefit to exploring these topics, we must be careful not to miss the center and star of this book: Jesus. Revelation should change us and help us know Him better.

The idea of "Super Mom" is a myth that puts pressure on mothers concerning their appearance and behavior and forces comparisons with other moms. Yet all around the world, moms share the same heart, strength and tenacity to love their children and dream the best for them. Mothers do this through faith and sacrifice, not always knowing the outcome. It's these acts and attitudes of obedience that make them heroes in God's sight. And that's all that matters. Photo: Flickr, Kelly Garbato, https://bit.ly/2LEi6bZ, CC BY 2.0

God did not give us the book of Revelation for idle speculation or endless debates. Instead, He speaks to us in these unique Scriptures to give us hope: God will prevail and all His promises are true. We can follow Him with courage, no matter what the ground game looks like. Revelation gives us a window into the Heavenly perspective. And it's all we need.