Today Daily Devotional

“To the one who is victorious, I will give some of the hidden manna. I will also give that person a white stone with a new name written on it, known only to the one who receives it.”

— Revelation 2:17

Jesus called the Pergamum church, some of whom were slipping into idolatry and immorality, to repent. Otherwise, judgment would come. But to all who would repent, to those who were eager to commit to Jesus, there would be victory. He would give them “some of the hidden manna,” he said. This refers back to God’s Old Testament people receiving a daily supply of manna for their food (Exodus 16). God sustained them in the desert with this “bread from heaven” as a sign of his love. Jesus built on that connection by announcing that he is the true bread from heaven who gives life to the world. All who come to Jesus in faith will receive bread that feeds the soul. Jesus, the bread of life, opens the door to eternal life (John 6:32-51). Jesus also said that each repentant believer would receive “a white stone with a new name written on it, known only to the one who receives it.” We aren’t sure what this means, but it seems related to having a new relationship with God in Christ and a new character that is treasured deep within one’s heart. (See also some passages about names in Isaiah 43:1; 62:2-4, 12; Revelation 3:12; 19:11-16.) Though some details here are mysterious, the message is clear: Jesus calls us to live faithfully for him, and he promises eternal life to all who fully believe and trust in him.

Lord Jesus, reign over our hearts as we live for you in this world. We trust in you for eternal life. Amen.

“I have a few things against you. . . . Repent therefore!”

— Revelation 2:14-16

Many of the Christians in Pergamum remained true to Jesus. That would not have been easy. An altar to Zeus stood near the tip of the city’s mountaintop, in the shadow of a temple built by the emperor Trajan. Below stood a “healing center” dedicated to the god Asclepius. And the worship of Dionysus led to sexual perversions in pagan worship.

Jesus commended his followers for remaining true to him. “Nevertheless, I have a few things against you,” he said. Some people in the church were trying to mix their faith in Jesus with pagan practices. Those practices included worship “parties” where food was offered to idols and people engaged in drunkenness and sexual perversions. And Jesus does not put up with that.

Many years earlier, Balaam, a false prophet, had set up a plan to tempt the men of Israel to similar perversions (Numbers 25:1-3; 31:16). Jesus also mentioned the Nicolaitans (see Rev. 2:6), who seem to have wanted Christ’s followers to compromise their beliefs. But any compromise would oppose a wholehearted commitment to Jesus.

So the church was to call its members to repent, said Jesus, or he would come “and fight against them with the sword of [his] mouth.” This meant he would bring his Word of judgment against them.

This warning remains for all of us today. Let us take note, repent, and submit to Jesus.

Lord Jesus, help us to follow you wholeheartedly. We confess our sins and repent, knowing you are faithful to forgive. Amen.

“These are the words of him who has the sharp, double-edged sword. I know where you live—where Satan has his throne. Yet you remain true to my name.”

— Revelation 2:12-13

The city of Pergamum was the capital of the Roman province of Asia (present-day Turkey). The Roman ruler there held the power of the sword; at his decision someone could immediately be put to death. So in that setting Jesus, “the ruler of the kings of the earth” (Revelation 1:5), with “the sharp, double-edged sword” of his mouth (1:16; 2:12), claimed ultimate authority over eternal life and death. Jesus commends the church for “remaining true to [his] name” and staying in Pergamum. They took up permanent residence in this city filled with pagan temples and idol worship. They became rooted in the Pergamum community and built up the church in a most difficult location, where Satan lived and reigned.

Jesus had previously taught his followers to do this: “On this rock [the so-called ‘gates of Hades’ at Caesarea Philippi in northern Galilee] I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it” (Matthew 16:18). Similarly Jesus is saying, “In Pergamum I will build my church, and the throne of Satan will not overcome it.” Satan will never overcome a faithful community of Jesus-followers. Trust the One who is Judge to keep his word on your behalf. Be humble, be obedient, be strong.

King of kings, Lord of lords, guide us to follow you with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. Open doors to your Word, and empower us to share it. Amen.

Paul devoted himself . . . to preaching, testifying to the Jews that Jesus was the Messiah. But when they . . . became abusive, he . . . said . . . “From now on I will go to the Gentiles.”

— Acts 18:5-6

The apostle Paul had become God’s “chosen instrument to proclaim [Jesus’] name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel” (Acts 9:15). As Paul ministered across Asia Minor, Macedonia, and Greece, his method was to go first to Jewish synagogues and then to the Gentiles, sharing the good news of Jesus. Acts 18:1-8 describes Paul’s ministry in Corinth.

Some of the Jewish people there believed the gospel, but others “opposed Paul and became abusive.” So Paul shook out his clothes in protest and moved along, saying he would go and preach to the Gentiles.

In Smyrna a similar situation developed. The church of Jesus was being persecuted by people who said they were Jews, God’s original chosen people, but they were being influenced by Satan.

Though Jesus’ church there was healthy, it faced troubles. Jesus said he knew the people’s affliction and suffering for being his followers. He also knew their poverty. In the bustling city of Smyrna business thrived, but unless you offered incense to the city’s gods, you could not do business there. Without an income, you became poor. Yet Jesus said they were rich! The kingdom of God operates on a different scale: amazing grace!

Friends, be strong in Jesus. All who are children of God in Christ will wear the victor’s crown.

Faithful Father, help us to be strong in testifying to your great faithfulness and love. Amen.

“Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer.”

— Revelation 2:10

If I had the privilege of being with Jesus throughout his ministry years, I would have been on the lookout for enemies or traps. He told his disciples, “If they persecuted me [and they did], they will persecute you also” (John 15:20). Like John, Peter had heard Jesus say this, and he wrote about suffering “grief in all kinds of trials” because of belief in Christ. Yet, despite those trials, followers of Jesus would experience victory.

Because of Jesus’ resurrection, all who believe in him have “an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade.” This reality helps to form the foundation of our faith. The knowledge of our eternal inheritance with God outshines the suffering and grief caused by trials and persecutions that we might face in this life.

Peter also says that the trials we can face will prove the genuineness of our faith, the effectiveness of the gospel, and the truth of the written and spoken Word.

The church at Smyrna heard the word about persecution and the subsequent promised victory. Persecution would not be the end.

Since Jesus is God’s promised Messiah to the world, we can boldly proclaim him to all who will listen.

Lord, we worship you as the resurrected, victorious One. Your victory guarantees that all who believe in you will also be victorious. Fill us with joy in the salvation we have already received in you. Amen.

“Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you life as your victor’s crown.”

— Revelation 2:10

To the family of God, near and far, young and old, rich and poor, Jesus speaks as “the First and the Last, who died and came to life again.”

Jesus presents himself to the church in Smyrna as divine and sovereign, being over all history—past, present, and future. As the First and the Last, he covers not only the ends of the spectrum but also everything in between.

Even death could not hold Jesus; he is alive! All who believe that Jesus suffered and died for them can find comfort in knowing that death will not hold them either. In Jesus, like Jesus, we will be raised to new life. In Jesus we have assurance that we will live forever with him.

With this truth Jesus encouraged and strengthened our brothers and sisters in Smyrna. He went on to mention their afflictions and their poverty. He knew they were slandered by people who said they followed God but did not. Those people were agents of Satan, he said. Jesus called his true followers not to be afraid of any suffering or persecution they would face. “Be faithful, even to the point of death,” he said. He had already been there for them. The One who is First and Last would hold them through all that would come their way. This same Jesus will also be with us through the difficulties we face. Jesus is the One who gives life and victory, now and forever.

Thank you, Jesus, for dying and coming to life again for us. In you we can be assured that nothing will ever separate us from your love. Amen.

“To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.”

— Revelation 2:7

To live in Ephesus meant being surrounded by the worship of false gods. The temple to Artemis was one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. The temple of the Roman emperor Domitian dominated the central part of the city. How was a follower of Jesus to live in a culture that idolized power and false gods and encouraged sexual immorality?

Jesus had told the Ephesian Christians, “Consider how far you have fallen.” In other words, remember what you once had and did and enjoyed with your Lord and Savior.

Jesus called them to repent of their sin, to allow the Spirit of God to soften their hardened hearts and give them a restored heart of love. Then he urged them to “do the things [they] did at first.” In other words, persevere, hold on to the truth, and show love and compassion to one another.

Otherwise, said Jesus, he would remove their lampstand. The Ephesian church would no longer exist. He would do that for the honor of his name.

However, if they would repent and be restored to him, they would be victorious and be able to eat from the tree of life. This promise of Jesus looks forward to his return and the establishment of the new heavens and new earth, eternal life in the paradise of God. The tree of life awaits all who profess faith in Jesus Christ alone, live for him, and share his love with everyone. Come, Lord Jesus.

Almighty God, help me to love you above all, and others as myself. For your glory, Amen.

“Consider how far you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first. If you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place.”

— Revelation 2:5

The Lord Jesus has the authority to reveal the truth and call his people to repentance. He stands among his churches (including us!) with power, authority, and love.

After commending the Ephesian church on their hard work and perseverance, Jesus says, “Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken the love you had at first.”

Paul had mentioned that love in his letter to the Ephesians: “Ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all God’s people, I have not stopped giving thanks for you” (Ephesians 1:15). The Ephesians had loved one another, striving for unity in the faith.

Now, however, Jesus reprimands them for forsaking that love, giving up on their commitment to show the love of Christ to everyone. Had they become selfish, proud, unwilling to do what was needed to get along with each other and with others? Had they become so absorbed with right thinking that they had allowed clouds of selfishness to come between them?

Jesus graciously calls them to repent and turn back to the love they had lost.

Friends, Jesus calls us to love one another and all people. Loving one another as Jesus has loved us is still the rallying cry of the church. Without sacrificial love between believers, any attempt at testifying to God’s love to others will appear shallow and be a sham.

Lord, help us to show your love for your sake, that you may be known to the world. Amen.

“You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary.”

— Revelation 2:3

On a trip to Ephesus, I was able to walk through what had once been a neighborhood of houses and streets. Etched into a stone in front of one doorway was a symbol that looked like a fish. According to tradition, this may have identified the house as a place where Christians lived and met together for worship, prayer, and fellowship.

In Revelation 2, Jesus tells John to write to the church in Ephesus, saying, “I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance. . . . You have tested those who claim to be apostles but are not, and have found them false. You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary.” Jesus’ followers in Ephesus are commended for holding up the light of Christ against the darkness of this world. The apostle Paul had earlier reminded the Ephesians, “Our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against . . . the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms” (Ephesians 6:12). Still today, the devil aims to harm the church until Jesus returns. Jesus commended the church in Ephesus for standing strong in defense of the gospel. God’s Word to us today remains: Be strong, know the difference between light and darkness, be wise and ready to “live a life worthy of the calling you have received” (Ephesians 4:1).

Lord Jesus, strengthen us to serve you faithfully, shining your light into this world.

When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. Then he placed his right hand on me and said: “Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last. I am the Living One; I was dead, and now look, I am alive for ever and ever!”

— Revelation 1:17-18

Earlier in his life, John had spent three years with Jesus as a disciple in training. We might expect that John would recognize Jesus, run up to him, and embrace him. But something is clearly different about Jesus. The glorious presentation of the Son of Man so overwhelms John that he falls at Jesus’ fiery-bronze feet as though dead. But then he hears the familiar words of his Lord and Master: “Do not be afraid.” The loving Savior speaks comfort and assurance.

Jesus gives John an elaborate description of himself. What a way to build up John’s confidence and that of the churches! Jesus is the “First and the Last,” the “Living One,” who “was dead” but is “alive for ever and ever!” And there’s more: Jesus holds the keys to death and Hades, so they have no power over him or his followers.

Jesus then commands John to write to the seven churches that are represented by the lampstands. (And, to us today, those churches represent the whole church of Christ.) By sharing what he has “seen, what is now and what will take place later,” John will describe how Jesus is the reigning Lord of heaven and earth. Despite the churches’ strengths and weaknesses, Jesus is God. The powers of darkness will do their worst to destroy the church, but they will fail because Jesus is the living Lord.

Almighty King, you are the victor over death and the grave. Drive out our fear today. Amen.