REVELATION 2-3 – SHOUTING HOPE
Whispering Hope – Septimus Winner, pen name – Alice Hawthorne
Soft as the voice of an angel,
Breathing a lesson unheard,
Hope with a gentle persuasion
Whispers her comforting word:
Wait till the darkness is over,
Wait till the tempest is done,
Hope for the sunshine tomorrow,
After the shower is gone.
Refrain:
Whispering hope, oh, how welcome thy voice,
Making my heart in its sorrow rejoice.
It’s a pretty song. And sometimes, I like the idea of hope whispering in my ear. However, I prefer to have a hope that shouts at me with confidence. Hope is faith on steroids. Faith believes it, hope looks forward to it with anxious anticipation!
Such hope is found as we examine the 7 messages to the churches. Each church is given promises for overcomers.
THE OVERCOMERS – 1 John 5:3-5 – Those who have trusted the Lord Jesus as their Savior
Ephesus – 2:7 – The Tree of Life – Hope of Paradise
Vs. 7 – Adam and Eve had been evicted from the Garden of Eden so they would not eat of the Tree of Life.
This tree of life is phenomenal. – Revelation 22:2
Smyrna – 2:11 – Second Death Won’t Hurt – Hope of Protection
Revelation 21:1-8
Pergamos – 2:17 – Intimacy with Christ – Hope of Personalization
Hidden Manna – Special Relationship with Christ, the Bread of Life, Never Hunger or thirst.
White Stone with name on it – Admission pass to an awards banquet
Special name – known only to God and us (Pet Name) Elizabeth Elliot – only Jim could call her “Betty”.
Thyatira – 2:26-28 – Ruling with Christ – Hope of Power
Vs. 26 – Power over the nations – Millennium
Vs. 27 – Rule (Shepherd) – Psalm 2:8-9
Vs. 28 – Morning Star – Jesus Himself – Revelation 22:16
Sardis – 3:6 – Secure for Eternity – Hope of Purity
White Raiment – Clothed with righteousness
Name permanently in the Book of Life
Our name confessed by Lord Jesus before God and Angels
Proudly professed that Tim is son in-law
Philadelphia – 3:12 – Honor Forever – Hope of Permanence
Pillars constructed to bring honor
Name of God and God’s city written on us
Christ’s new name written on us
Laodicea – 3:21 – Sit on Christ’s Throne – Hope of Prominence
