New Testament in a Year

Revelation 2:1-17
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Revelation chapter 2 begins our journey of Jesus’ messages to the seven churches in Asia Minor! (modern day Turkey).  Below is a map of the 7 churches of Revelation:

Depending on what type of Bible you read, you might notice that ALL of the words in chapter 2 in today’s readings are highlighted red – meaning, we are hearing directly from Jesus in these verses, so it’s good to pay attention here!  🙂

The beginning of Revelation 2 verse 2 stands out to me today – “”I know all the things you do.”  Short and simple…. Do you suppose this is true about Jesus and your life?  Do you think Jesus knows all of the things you do?  Even every single thing that you think?

Verse 7 certainly stands out today as well from Jesus: “Anyone who is willing to hear should listen to the Spirit and understand what the Spirit is saying to the churches. Everyone who is victorious will eat from the tree of life in the paradise of God.”  The tree of life takes us back to the Garden of Eden with Adam and Eve.  Adam and Eve ended up eating from the forbidden tree of knowledge – which gave them the knowledge of good and evil.  God then banished them from the Garden before they could eat from the tree of life and live eternally.  The tree of life represents eternal life, and as we see in this verse it is offered to all who are victorious.  What does it mean to be victorious?  Do you want to eat from the tree of life in the paradise of God?  Will you listen to the Spirit and understand what the Spirit is saying?  Below is a stained glass image of the Tree of Life:

Verse 17 is intriguing!  “Everyone who is victorious will eat of the manna that has been hidden away in heaven. And I will give to each one a white stone, and on the stone will be engraved a new name that no one knows except the one who receives it.”  The second sentence is very intriguing to me – a white stone will be given with a new name upon it.  I need to do some more research on what exactly this means.  If anyone has thoughts on the white stone / new name, please post up in the comments below.

Worship Video: Today’s readings in Revelation 2:2 remind me of the Crowder song “Thanks Giver:”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nxDKchUybN0

Are you a Thanks Giver?  Click here and give Thanks!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: “Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. 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 (NIV)

Prayer Point: Pray for ears to hear. Pray for victory. Pray that you will receive a white stone with a new name written on it. Pray for the gift of hidden manna.

Comments from you:  What verses or insights stand out to you in today’s readings?  Please post up by clicking on the “Comments” link below!

God bless,
Mike

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