Letter to the 8th “Church”

Challenged by Mike following the sermon series on Revelation 2 & 3 to write a letter to myself from Jesus, I will make a feeble attempt. The 7 letters to the churches included some form of acknowledgement or praise for what they were getting right, followed by correction and a call to action.

I am not sure if I have. a clear enough view of myself but here goes:

I know your works. I know your heart for youth and your desire to bring out the best in others. I know how genuine your intentions are and I see you in the margins. You have encouraged and prayed, shared the good news and creatively let people know that I am a God of joy. You have written lessons, trained and equipped others to share the truth of knowing me in fun and meaningful ways. You have built bridges, counted blessings and expressed gratitude. These things are not forgotten.

But I have this against you.

You have forgotten to trust me. You worry about things and money without remembering that I have always made a way for you and I have always kept my promises. Be generous – not stingy – share even when others do not or when it feels like you have nothing left to give.

You have been petty and bitter about what I do for others, thinking I am entitled to do for you whatever you need when you need it. Do the next right thing and watch me. I love to bless. Let me.

You have ignored me and my Word, focusing on worthy activities without refilling the reservoir and keeping a relationship with me a priority. You neglect mercy while focusing on being “right”, and defend doctrine with zeal but live it with reluctance.  Listen and be curious. Let me expand horizons and perspectives.

You gossip and debate things you see through a myopic lens of reality rather than being curious and open to a bigger plan that includes all of my creation. It is more important to be holy than relevant. I am more concerned about your character than your comfort.

You have used boundaries in a way that is not biblical to avoid difficult or inconvenient relationships.  Only say things to others that make whoever you are talking about look good!

You remember my name, but not my voice.  You have ignored my prompts with selective listening. I want so much more for you; can you hear my whispers and songs of delight?!

You excuse what I forbid and condemn what I bless. You redefine sin to avoid repentance and redefine grace to avoid obedience. Let me give you rest from compromise. Remember and repent—not in words only, but in changed direction. Return to humility, to prayer, to obedience when it is costly. Strengthen what remains, for much that you call faith is hollow.