Daily Reading Week 41
Sunday
Revelation 1:1-8
DISCOVER
Based on the beginning of chapter one (verse 1), what is the purpose of the book of Revelation?
In this passage John teaches that Jesus is coming “with the clouds,” and that “every eye will see him.” How does the certainty of Christ’s return affect your life and faith?
In verse 8, God declares Himself as the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. How does this title deepen your understanding of God’s control over all of time and existence?
RESPOND
Revelation 1:1-8 introduces the book as a revelation from Jesus Christ, given to show His followers what must soon take place. The message was conveyed through an angel to John, who faithfully recorded it. John greets the seven churches in Asia with a blessing of grace and peace from God, the Holy Spirit, and Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and ruler of the kings of the earth.
He praises Jesus for His love, for freeing believers from their sins through His sacrifice, and for making them a kingdom of priests to serve God. John also proclaims Christ's future return, when all will see Him and mourn, even those who pierced Him. The passage concludes with God declaring Himself the "Alpha and Omega," affirming His eternal and sovereign nature.
Monday
Revelation 1:9-20
DISCOVER
How might John's suffering and isolation mirror the experience of believers today who face persecution for their faith?
How does the description of Jesus in verses 12-16 influence your understanding of His nature and attributes?
Jesus is described as walking among the lampstands (the churches). How does this imagery of Jesus being present among the churches encourage or challenge you regarding His role in the Church today?
What aspects of this passage challenge or inspire you in your walk with Christ and your understanding of His relationship to the Church?
RESPOND
This part of Revelation 1 describes John’s vision of the risen Christ. While exiled on the island of Patmos for preaching the gospel, John is “in the Spirit” on the Lord’s Day when he hears a loud voice like a trumpet commanding him to write to the seven churches. Turning to see the source of the voice, John sees Jesus standing among seven golden lampstands, dressed in a robe with a golden sash, with His face shining like the sun, His eyes like blazing fire, and His voice like rushing waters.
Jesus holds seven stars in His right hand and a double-edged sword comes from His mouth. Overwhelmed, John falls at Jesus’ feet, but Jesus reassures him, identifying Himself as the First and the Last, the living one who was dead but is now alive forever. Jesus commands John to write what he has seen, explaining that the seven stars represent the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands are the churches themselves.
Tuesday
Revelation 2:1-11
DISCOVER
In what ways might we "lose our first love" as the Ephesians did? How can we prevent this from happening?
Jesus calls the church to remember, repent, and do the things they did at first (v. 5). Why is it important to remember the early days of our faith and practice? What might repentance look like in this context?
How do the messages to the churches in Ephesus and Smyrna speak to your personal spiritual walk?
In what areas do you feel challenged to return to your first love for Christ, or to remain faithful in the face of trials?
RESPOND
Revelation 2:1-11 contains the message to the church in Ephesus, highlighting both commendations and concerns. Jesus acknowledges the hard work, perseverance, and discernment of the Ephesians, praising them for their efforts to reject false apostles and maintain doctrinal purity. However, He rebukes them for abandoning their first love, urging them to remember their initial fervor for Him and to repent by returning to their former deeds.
Jesus warns that if they do not repent, He will remove their lampstand, signifying their loss of influence and presence. He also encourages the Ephesians by promising that those who overcome will eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God. This message emphasizes the importance of both faithfulness and passionate devotion in the life of the church.
Wednesday
Revelation 2:12-29
DISCOVER
Despite living in a challenging environment, the church in Pergamum is praised for holding fast to Jesus’ name and not renouncing their faith, even when one of their members, Antipas, was martyred. What can we learn from their example of faithfulness in the face of persecution?
In verse 19, Jesus commends the church in Thyatira for their love, faith, service, and perseverance, noting that they are doing more than they did at first. How is this commendation different from that given to the church in Ephesus (which had forsaken its first love)? What can this teach us about growing in faith and service?
Jesus encourages the faithful believers in Thyatira to hold fast until He comes (v. 25). What does it mean to "hold fast" in the face of spiritual opposition or temptation, and how can we apply this encouragement in our own lives?
Are there areas in your own spiritual life where you sense a need to repent and return to a closer relationship with Christ?
RESPOND
As John continues in the book of Revelation, headdresses the church in Pergamum, commending it for holding fast to faith in a challenging environment where Satan's throne is located, likely referring to the city's idolatrous practices and persecution. Jesus acknowledges their perseverance, even in the face of martyrdom, exemplified by Antipas, a faithful witness.
However, He rebukes the church for tolerating false teachings, particularly those of Balaam, who led Israel into sin, and the Nicolaitans, promoting immoral practices and idolatry. Jesus calls the church to repentance, warning that He will come soon and fight against those who persist in such errors. He promises to give the overcomers hidden manna and a white stone, symbolizing acceptance and a new identity in Christ. This message highlights the necessity of remaining true to Christ's teachings and the importance of moral integrity within the church.
Thursday
Revelation 3:1-6
DISCOVER
Jesus says in verse 1, “You have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead.” What do you think He means by this, and how can a church or individual have the appearance of spiritual life but lack true vitality?
What are some signs that a church or believer might be spiritually dead despite outward appearances of activity?
Jesus warns that if they do not wake up, He will come like a thief, and they will not know the time of His coming (v. 3). What does this warning imply about the urgency of repentance and readiness for Jesus' return?
Are there areas in your spiritual life where you feel you may have the appearance of being alive but need revival or renewal? How can you take steps to "wake up" spiritually?
RESPOND
Revelation 3:1-6 delivers a message to the church in Sardis, where Jesus identifies Himself as the one who holds the seven spirits of God and the seven stars. He addresses the church's reputation for being alive while declaring that it is, in fact, dead. Jesus calls them to wake up and strengthen what remains before it dies completely, urging them to remember, obey, and repent. He highlights that their deeds are not complete in God’s sight, indicating spiritual complacency.
Despite this stern warning, He acknowledges a few faithful individuals who have not soiled their garments, promising that those who overcome will be clothed in white and will have their names affirmed in the book of life. This message emphasizes the urgency of spiritual vigilance and the need for genuine faithfulness to Christ.
Friday
Revelation 3:7-13
DISCOVER
How can believers remain faithful and obedient even when they feel weak or face significant challenges?
How does Jesus' message to the church in Philadelphia encourage you to remain faithful in the face of challenges or opposition?
Are there areas in your life where you sense God has placed an “open door” for you? How can you walk through it faithfully?
RESPOND
Revelation 3:7-13 presents the message to the church in Philadelphia, where Jesus introduces Himself as the holy and true one who holds the key of David, symbolizing His authority to open and shut doors. He commends the church for its faithfulness and endurance, despite having little strength, and assures them that He has placed before them an open door that no one can shut, representing opportunities for ministry and growth.
Jesus acknowledges the opposition they face from those who falsely claim to be Jews and promises that their adversaries will recognize His love for the faithful. He encourages the church by assuring them of protection from the coming hour of trial. Jesus urges them to hold fast to what they have, promising that the overcomers will become pillars in the temple of God and receive a new identity, including a name written on them that signifies their belonging. This passage emphasizes the rewards of perseverance and the significance of maintaining faith in the face of challenges.
Saturday
Revelation 3:14-22
DISCOVER
How can a person or a church become spiritually lukewarm, and what are some signs of this condition in the church or in a believer’s life today?
Jesus warns that because the Laodiceans are lukewarm, He is about to spit them out of His mouth (v. 16). Why is spiritual complacency so dangerous, and what does this imagery suggest about how Jesus views half-hearted commitment to Him?
Jesus promises that if anyone hears His voice and opens the door, He will come in and eat with them (v. 20). What does this promise of fellowship with Jesus imply about the relationship He desires with His followers?
How does Jesus' message to the Laodicean church challenge your personal spiritual walk? Are there areas in your life where you feel spiritually lukewarm or complacent?
RESPOND
The final part of Revelation 3 conveys Jesus’ message to the church in Laodicea, introducing Himself as the Amen, the faithful and true witness, and the ruler of God’s creation. He rebukes the church for being lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—indicating their spiritual complacency and self-sufficiency. Jesus points out their misguided sense of wealth, declaring them wretched, pitiful, poor, blind, and naked, and He advises them to seek true riches from Him, including gold refined by fire, white clothes for true righteousness, and salve for their spiritual blindness. He emphasizes that His rebuke is an act of love, urging them to be zealous and repent. Jesus invites anyone who hears His voice to open the door of their hearts, promising intimate fellowship with Him.
Finally, He assures that those who overcome will sit with Him on His throne, highlighting the importance of genuine faith and repentance. This message underscores the need for spiritual vigilance and a heartfelt relationship with Christ.