DAY 10

Pergamum – The Church That Lived for Truth Over Tolerance

‘To the angel of the church in Pergamum write: These are the words of him who has the sharp, double-edged sword. I know where you live – where Satan has his throne. Yet you remain true to my name. You did not renounce your faith in me, not even in the days of Antipas, my faithful witness, who was put to death in your city – where Satan lives. Nevertheless, I have a few things against you: there are some among you who hold to the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to entice the Israelites to sin so that they ate food sacrificed to idols and committed sexual immorality. Likewise, you also have those who hold to the teaching of the Nicolaitans. Repent therefore! Otherwise, I will soon come to you and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth. Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who is victorious [overcomes], I will give some of the hidden manna. I will also give that person a white stone with a new name written on it, known only to the one who receives it.’ Revelation 2:12-17 (NIVUK)

Reflection

Pergamum was a faithful church in a city that was deeply aligned with spiritual powers opposed to God. Although it was full of art, culture and beauty, it was described as the place where Satan has his throne. These ungodly influences had started to make their way into the church, leading to compromise creeping in, which resulted in members becoming involved with idol worship and sexual immorality. Some were clinging to false teaching and mixing truth with cultural idolatry.

Jesus commended their perseverance, but He also called out their compromise. Tolerance of falsehood is not loving, it’s dangerous. Like Balaam of old, some in Pergamum were luring others into sin through distorted doctrine and immoral practices.

Jesus’ response is sharp, ‘Repent therefore! Otherwise, I will soon come to you and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth.’ (v.16). The Word of Christ is not just comfort, it’s confrontation. It cuts through lies and divides between the sacred and the profane.

Like the church in Pergamum, we need to push away the temporary things that only fulfil us for a short time. ‘But you man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. Fight the good fight of faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses.’ 1 Timothy 6:11-12 (NIVUK). For those who do overcome, there is a stunning reward; hidden manna (which is found in Jesus, who describes himself as the Bread of Life, and is the only one who can truly satisfy), along with sustenance from heaven and a white stone with a new name, which was a sign of identity, purity, and intimacy.

Devotional

by Martin Lopez

 

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