If Jesus sent a letter to you, what would he say? If he sent a letter to your church, what would he commend and what would he decry. Throughout these seven letters to the seven churches of Asia Minor (present day Türkiye) we have two repeated phrases. The first is, “I know your deeds”. The second is, “I have this against you”. Jesus was not condemning these people in saying this. He was chastening them in love. However, there is something soberingly disturbing about the combination of these phrases. That Jesus might have something against us, is not something we think about a lot. But we should think about this. Because, if Jesus has something against you, that must necessarily be the most urgent thing you need to know. There is probably something in your life that grieves Jesus right now. At least, it is safer to assume there is rather than assume there is not. And, if Jesus is grieved, then it is only because he loves you. But don’t take this love for granted and use it as an excuse to do nothing. That would amount to a rejection of Jesus’ role in your life. Whatever problems are preoccupying you at the moment, none is more urgent than the fact that Jesus might have something against you. So, take some time, now and regularly, to reflect on what Jesus might be grieved by in your life. What might Jesus hold against you? Acknowledge this before him, seek forgiveness and ask him to help you move forwards.
Do what I have suggested.
Read Revelation 2.
