Today’s Reading, Revelation 1-3
Focal Scripture: Revelation 2:3 “I know that you have persevered and endured hardships for the sake of my name, and you have not grown weary.”
What would someone write about you for others to read? Whether we realize it or not our lives and our testimony are being recorded. First, we know that our days are numbered and our lives will be judged by the Lord himself. He will judge our works and our faith. We will even receive rewards based off of our lives. Second, our lives are judged and recorded by those we know in our personal and professional lives. They will tell stories about us to family members. When asked they will tell our stories to friends and strangers. So what type of testimony are you leaving for others?
In today’s reading John is recording the words of Jesus to the seven churches. In the opening of the book John gets to see a vision of the glorified Christ. Then he is told to write down information to the churches. For the church in Ephesus we get two very important pieces of information. One is that they were a church who endured and persevered through hardships because of the name of Jesus, which they were commended for on their journey. Then they were given a condemnation because they left the way they loved at the beginning of their faith.
So what is your testimony? How will it be recorded? Do people know that you are a believer because of the way you love? Or do people see that your love is different because you’re not as invested as you were in the beginning. One of the most obvious evidence of faith is how we handle hardships. Especially, hardships for the name of Christ.
I have experienced some hardships for my faith here in the states but nothing compared to our brothers and sisters in other countries. Right now, in Nigeria believers are being executed because they believe in the name of Jesus. In China, they are being ridiculed, thrown in prison, and beaten for their faith in Christ. Possibly martyred because they have picked Jesus over comfort. These men and women are giving a testimony that will endure forever. They have not grown weary in their faith.
Believer be encouraged today to endure for the name of Jesus. He is worth any hardship we might face. In the middle of those hardships love God more. not less. Have a testimony that encourages other believers for generations to come.
Tomorrow, I plan on reading Revelation 4-8
