Seven Letters

Reflections on the Letters to the Seven Churches

I was in the spirit on the Lord's day, and I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet saying, "Write in a book what you see and send it to the seven churches, to Ephesus, to Smyrna, to Pergamum, to Thyatira, to Sardis, to Philadelphia, and to Laodicea."

Revelation 1:10-11 (NRSV)

At the beginning of the Book of Revelation, Christ dictates, to a man named John, messages to seven churches located in the area now known as Turkey.  What might these ancient letters have to say to us today?

0. Seven Letters - In exile on the island of Patmos, a prophet named John has an otherworldly vision of Christ.
1. The Love You Had at First - The Christians in Ephesus have a big problem: they have lost their love.  A church that has lost its love has lost everything.
2. Even Though You Are Rich - The Christians in Smyrna think of themselves as poor, but, for some reason, Christ says that they are rich.  What does it really mean to be rich?
3. The Sword of My Mouth - In a letter to the church in Pergamum, Christ threatens to wage war with the sword of His mouth.  Why does Christ have a sword in His mouth?
4. That Woman Jezebel - Someone Christ identifies as "Jezebel" has been teaching the Christians in Thyatira that they can serve God while also worshiping the gods of Rome.  This, Christ says, is not permissible.
5. Like a Thief - The Christians in Sardis have a reputation for their vitality, but Christ says that they are spiritually dead.  Like them, we sometimes need a wake-up call.
6. An Open Door, Which No One Is Able to Shut - Christ has placed an open door in front of the Christians in Philadelphia.  For some reason, they have yet to walk through it.
7. Neither Cold nor Hot - Christ says that the Christians in Laodicea are neither cold nor hot, but rather lukewarm.  What exactly does He mean?