Many times in the last 34 years of ministry, I've preached on the letters to the 7 churches from Revelation 2-3. The reproofs seem to fit things and situations in every church. But something is different about this time. God really spoke to my heart and pointed out that long before you get to the letters, there is a significant pause to ponder the Author of those letters -- Jesus Christ. John begins by extolling him, then worshiping him, and then being in his manifest presence.
I believe that if we lived in the presence of Christ, the reproofs given in 6 of those 7 letters would not be needed. I also think it is significant that the first imperative verb in Revelation directed at the readers is "Behold" -- meaning to look upon or gaze upon. Similarly in Hebrews, the first imperative verb directed at the readers specifically is to "Hearken" or "Hear and obey." Our focus should be less on arguing the fine points of theology and instead to gaze upon Christ, to worship Him, to hear His Word, and obey it and the promptings of the Holy Spirit.
I still intend to get to the letters to the 7 churches. But I truly believe that we must first just pause and gaze upon Jesus.
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