Consider the past progress and future direction of the Church as a whole by viewing Jesus’ message to the seven churches of Revelation in graph form. It becomes obvious that the overall trend is downward despite the highlights of Christian history. This helps emphasize the fact that believers everywhere MUST stay awake and shine as lights in the dark, dangerous, last age between the first and second coming of Christ!

This graph simply charts Jesus’ basic assessment of each church. When looked at as a whole it reflects the overall condition and trend of the Church. Remember that the book of Revelation is a “prophecy” (chapter 1:3) and therefore contains both literal and symbol facets of meaning. These seven cities were a Roman postal route of the day and all seven messages were to be read by all seven churches, so it seems obvious that they were also meant to be a kind of analysis of church history.

These seven cities  are listed  exactly as they were  arranged  along  a Roman postal route of that time. I believe this is symbolic of the “route”  God’s people would take with  His message until Jesus returned.  They were also located within  a region which linked different parts of the then known world. Therefore, the message Jesus gave them must  be  vital and  common  to the  cross-section  of cultures  around  the  world throughout time. In short,  these seven messages contain  truths  that  can never be lost among the church where you live or the church at large! They are a checklist of things to know, both good and bad, about corporate Christian behavior.

There is much valuable teaching here, but I want you to notice seven traits I found in these short letters. These are in general the characteristics that believers will need to cultivate  in order to overcome  the  seven different  conditions  the  church  will go through en route to Jesus’ return!

1. The Ephesus letter teaches us to value LOVE for God above everything, recapture it when necessary and refuse to allow petty divisions.
2. Smyrna is a call to COURAGE. It commands churches to refuse the fear of persecution, to recognize the danger of false religious spirits and to remain faithful.
3. Pergamum teaches the importance  of protecting true  FAITH and dealing with those who  peddle  false doctrines  and deception  amid serious satanic influences.
4. Thyatira tells us to work hard and FINISH what we start by diligently dealing with those who open doors to seducing spirits among God’s people.
5. Sardis is a call to spiritual AWARENESS. We have to wake up, watch our condition and work with what  we’ve got.
6. Philadelphia  was the  picture  of a church   that carried AUTHORITY  as a result   of their obedience, and was under  the protection  of God.
7. Laodicea teaches us to remain  PASSIONATE about  keeping Jesus at the center  of our lifestyles, or else!

Taken together, this list will keep us prepared to meet the Lord.

This excerpt was taken from Everyday Preparation For Jesus’ Return by Rocky Veach.