As we conclude our series on The Dove, we can see that there is one repeated phrase that God is saying to the churches as He addresses seven of them in the book of Revelation. The repeated phrase is,
“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”
The general pattern in each of these letters is commendation, complaint, and correction.
All three of these elements are needed to listen and to yield to the Holy Spirit.
So, I challenge us with this question, “Are we hearing and listening?” Before Jesus left the earth, He was trying to prepare His disciples for ministry. He said this, “I have told you these things, so that in Me, you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16: 33
No matter what comes to distract, deter, delay, or destroy, Jesus is affirming His followers to take heart and affirm our final victory. The Holy Spirit will enable us. That’s why we must hear and listen to what the Spirit is saying.
That exhortation was given to those who were chosen then and now to carry out His ministry.
Within each of the seven churches, God points out their strong points and where they need improvement. The Holy Spirit brings correction, which we must hear to make improvements.
“He who neglects and ignores instruction and discipline despises himself, but he who learns from rebuke acquires understanding [and grows in wisdom].” Proverbs 15 32
We grow in understanding and wisdom when we allow correction. These two attributes are part of the “makeup” of the Holy Spirit.
Why is hearing correction so very difficult for some people? We take it personally, that’s why!
We have to change our mindset about correction and view it as a tool to make us better!
If we choose to neglect and ignore discipline, we are only hurting ourselves from improving.
Why wouldn’t we want to bring development? Improvement produces development. “Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge; but he who hates correction is stupid.” Proverbs 12 1
Allow discipline and we will grow in knowledge.
The rest of that verse says, “Don’t be stupid!” I didn’t say it; God did!
Part of growing in our faith and in our walk with God is by allowing the Holy Spirit to bring correction so we can change and become more like Jesus. When Jesus addressed the churches in Asia, He was trying to get them ready for His return. He was reaffirming the people, who are the church, that “He has made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God and Father–to Him be glory and power for ever and ever! Amen.” Revelation 1: 6
He chose to show John this revelation so that it would be made known. He saw Jesus, the son of man, in all of His glory. John described it this way: “When I saw Him, I fell at His feet as though dead. Then He placed His right hand on me and said: “Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last. I am the Living One; I was dead, and behold I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and hades.” Revelation 1: 17-18
People of God, the church, we are being instructed to hear what the Spirit is saying.
Lord Jesus, open our eyes and ears of understanding that we may know you better. Help us to keep our heads looking up, realizing that you have given us an instructed tongue and an obedient heart to serve you. Help us to hear any correction that your precious Holy Spirit brings to us, not to condemn us, but to exhort us so we can yield to the Spirit of God and complete what you began.
You have told us we are overcomers, that we are not defeated but that we triumph victoriously in Christ. You have told us that we are chosen by you and for your purposes.
Our life is not our own. We were bought with a price. You are returning and you are giving us the right to the Tree of Life so that we may go through the gates into the city, the Holy City you are preparing for us. This book, this testimony for the churches, was for then and is for now. May we not only see it but may we hear and listen with our hearts, as your Spirit enables us to obey you.
“The Spirit and the Bride say Come! And let him who hears say, Come! Whoever is thirsty, let him come; and whoever wishes, let him take the free gift of the water of life.” Revelation 22: 17
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