Early in the Book of Revelation, there are a series of 7 open letters to the churches of Asia Minor that give us a snapshot of the strengths and weaknesses of these early churches. In the letters, we see some churches thriving and overcoming persecution, and we see some succumbing to immorality and lapsing into spiritual coldness.
The letters to the 7 churches aren't just an interesting history lesson, though. They are also a powerful lens through which to look at the Church today and see a little more clearly what it is we're doing well, where we're failing, what we need to guard against and what it means to be a light in a dark world.
Each of the 7 letters ends with the same command: He who has an ear, let him hear what the spirit says to the churches.
If we want to unleash our church and impact the world in a meaningful way; if we want to shine more brightly and better reach our community, our command is the same: Listen!
