You've Got Mail

'You’ve Got Mail!" That computerized voice surfaces each time I sign onto my e-mail, but not all the mail that arrives is worth my time or interest. Admittedly, I love mail and those who take the time to write gain my undivided attention, especially when it’s from someone I deeply love or respect. How much more, then, would I long to know what our Lord, Jesus Christ, would say were He to write to me?

Well, the truth is we do have mail from Him, but are we prepared to read what He’s written? In what way could these letters to the 1st century Church be relevant to those of us who sit on the edge of the 21st century?

As we study these chapters together I believe it will quickly become apparent that the specific issues addressed by the Lord Jesus 2000 years ago are actually timeless in their application. He is writing to some men and women who were living with a sense of triumphant expectation, others who were dealing with failures in their Christian pilgrimage and still others who had begun a slide into laziness. Congregations that were once known for their vibrancy and genuine commitment to Christ had become dreadfully complacent. Do you see your church pictured here?

These issues and more are faced routinely by the Church in the 21st century and like those to whom the letter was written, we need someone to come and speak to us directly, calling us to account for our actions. The Book of Revelation has not been given to us to satisfy our curiosity, but rather so that our lives may be changed by it. The risen Lord Jesus has sent the Church some mail and we need to read it carefully and prepare for His arrival. Will we be ready?