Three Sentences In Revelation
Earlene Davis
We are going to consider three sentences or phrases recorded in the book of revelation.
#1 – The first phrase is repeated seven times in chapters 2 and 3. That phrase is: “to him that overcometh” – said to the church of Ephesus (2:7); said to Smyrna (2:11); to Pergamos (2:17); said to Thyatira (2:26-29); to Sardis (3:5-6); to Philadelphia (3:12-13); said to the church of Laodicea (3:21-22). These statements are made by our Lord Jesus Christ to the seven church which are a picture of this whole Church Age.
We obviously see that there is a difference in rewards to saints. Overcoming is emphasized by being repeated seven times – “to him that overcometh.” Also each statement is accompanied with this reminder – “He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.” This tells us that the Holy Spirit is very much involved in our overcoming. He is not only teacher and guide (Jn. 16:13-15 ), but as we yield to God and take in His Word, His Spirit works that Word in our lives. For He is God’s agent working in us “both to will and to do of God’s good pleasure.”
We see a type of the Holy Spirit in the Old Testament in the eldest servant sent by Abraham to bring a wife to his son Isaac. So God the Father has sent the Holy Spirit to prepare a fit wife for His Son, Jesus Christ. God’s Holy Spirit is our Comforter as we journey on in this life. All the time He is revealing to our hearts more and more about our heavenly lover. Jesus said in Jn. 14:26, “the Comforter which is the Holy Spirit whom the Father will send in my name, He shall teach you all things and bring all things to your remembrance whatsoever I have said unto you.”
Jesus also said, “in the world ye shall have tribulation, but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” As we yield and let the life of Christ have preeminence in all things – we are enabled to overcome by the power of the Holy Spirit. That we may be able to say as Job did “though He slay me, yet will I trust Him.”
#2 – Lets move on to the second phrase: Rev. 3:10, “Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee” from the judgment coming on all the world, the tribulation period. V. 11 – there is patience both with Jesus Christ and with us James 5:7-8. Jesus Christ is waiting the signal from His Father to gather His redeemed people unto Himself. We need to be patient as we endure trials and afflictions waiting in faith for that glorious hour when Jesus Christ Himself calls us up.
May our patience be a robust vigorous confidence in God’s love (not just a pathetic sentiment). We do not see or understand all He is doing in us, but we are learning to trust Him in reckless confidence. God has ventured all in Jesus Christ to save us and He wants us to risk our all in Him. There are spots where that faith has not been worked in us as yet.
There were none of those spots in Jesus Christ’s life and the Holy Spirit is working and developing His life in us. There will be a rib portion that will be a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that it should be holy and without blemish – Eph. 5:27, A chaste virgin to Christ – II Cor. 11:2. May we view this life as a glorious opportunity for this marvelous transformation to take place in us.
# 3 – The third phrase is Rev. 4:1, “Come up hither, I and I will show thee things…”. God is continually saying, “Friend go up higher.” Satan uses the strategy of elevation in temptation which appeals to the flesh. But God elevates you by His grace into the heavenly places. Instead of finding a pinnacle to cling to, we find a great tableland where it is easy to move, yet God would have us to keep moving higher.
God desires us to grow in grace and not to measure by the fact that you have not gone back, but have heard God say, “Come up higher.” He will show you things that will enhance your faith and hope and most of all your love. II Pet. 3:18, “…grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be glory both now and for ever Amen!
To him that overecometh…because thou hast kept the word of my patience…I will keep thee from…
COME UP HIGHER.
