“Write this to Smyrna, to the Angel of the church. The Beginning and Ending, the First and Final One, the Once Dead and Then Come Alive, speaks: “I can see your pain and poverty—constant pain, dire poverty—but I also see your wealth. And I hear the lie in the claims of those who pretend to be good Jews, who in fact belong to Satan’s crowd. “Fear nothing in the things you’re about to suffer—but stay on guard! Fear nothing! The Devil is about to throw you in jail for a time of testing—ten days. It won’t last forever. “Don’t quit, even if it costs you your life. Stay there believing. I have a Life-Crown sized and ready for you.” “Are your ears awake? Listen. Listen to the Wind Words, the Spirit blowing through the churches. Christ-conquerors are safe from Devil-death.” (Revelation 2:8-11 The Message Bible)
I hope you read the verses above after seeing the title of this Sunday morning meditation. I pray that you did not skip the opening passage, hoping to read something related to physiology, mythology, or evolutionary psychology (a focus on gossip). I’m suspecting that you wanted something that would benefit your spirituality and Christian maturity. Am I right about it? (That sounded like Sunday talk, but oh well, it is Sunday. Keep reading!)
Some of your fellow readers live in different countries, actually different continents. Nevertheless, let me refer to some statistics reported by the USA Churches organization. A “mega church” has more than 2,000 members in attendance. A “large church” has between 301 and 2,000 members in attendance. A “medium church” has about 51-300 members in attendance. A “small church” has 50 or fewer members in attendance. Good information, but keep in mind, size does not make a difference as it pertains to what we are going to pull out of the passage above, Christ’s letter to the church a Smyrna, appropriate to do so because you see in the text above the Lord says, “Listen. Listen to the Wind Words, the Spirit blowing through the churches.” In the New American Standard it says, “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” “Churches” includes your church, regardless of how many members show up for attendance every weekend. Size does not matter.
Here are some of the things we should have seen in the Lord’s message, and applicable to all churches, and thus those individuals who make up the church roster. (1) We serve a risen Savior. He is the first and the last, who was dead, and has come to life. (2) Our Savior, Jesus, has something to say this morning. You know by now that every time Jesus says something it is profound. And note, He will have some more to say later when you get to Sunday School and/or church. (3) You will go through some trials, tribulation, troubles, and test. No church is exempt, and no church member is exempt. (4) In spite of all that is listed in number 3, do not fear, “fear nothing,” be faithful, forge forward even if the Lord can find nothing negative to say about you or your church. You still have to press on making perfect progress! (4) There is a “Life Size Crown” waiting for you. The old saints were not just singing when they sang, “I will wear a crown.”
Let me tell you something that is not secret to you. The Lord has a specific message, as always, sent to you today by a specific messenger, for a specific purpose. Go to church this morning and find out what your specific message says! God as quick as you did when you ran to the mailbox to see if you got any mail from a loved one afar! Be one of the members who are in attendance! If viruses and violence and the vexing (troublesome) impact of folks losing interest in the church has left the pews looking pitiful, don’t let that discourage you or cause you to lose interest. While size does not matter, your presence will definitely matter! See the word below! Think about that my friend! Be blessed!
“Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” (Hebrews 11:23-25 English Standard Version)
Still committed to the climb,
Mark L. King