February 6

I believe the book of Revelation is structured around the seven Jewish feasts, with echoes of the Exodus and Israel’s wilderness experience woven throughout its pages. We have already seen an echo of Passover in the opening chapter. Passover commemorates Israel’s escape from slavery in Egypt through the blood of a substitute. Our substitute is revealed in Revelation 1:12–16 in all His glory and splendor.

The Christian belongs to God because of Jesus’ sacrifice on our behalf. Therefore, we have no reason to fear. Why? Jesus answers that question for us: “Fear not, I am the first and the last, and the living one. I died, and behold I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of Death and Hades” (Rev. 1:17–18).

In Revelation 2–3, we encounter the seven letters to the seven churches. The echo that resounds through these letters is the Feast of Unleavened Bread, closely associated with Passover. This feast symbolized God’s call for His redeemed people to live holy lives (Lev. 11:44–45; 1 Pet. 1:16–17). In preparation, Israel removed all leaven from their homes, a sign that they belonged to the Lord and were to live apart from corruption and sin. This remains God’s call to His people today: “You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body” (1 Cor. 6:19–20).

If you have ever wondered why Revelation 2–3 belongs in John’s apocalyptic letter, you now know. These letters—written to real churches and still speaking to us today—call God’s people to remove the leaven from His house, the church made up of living stones (Heb. 3:1–6). I submit that we cannot understand Revelation rightly if we overlook what Christ says to His churches.

This Sunday, we will turn our attention to the first of those letters—and it could not be more timely.

I look forward to seeing you this Sunday at our 9:00 and 11:00 a.m. worship services.

Grace,
Pastor Keith