DECEMBER 23 - PROPHECY TO FOUR CHURCHES
READ Revelation 2
Jesus sends prophetic messages to four churches.
INSIGHT
Jesus commends the church of Ephesus for the good work that they have done. Nevertheless, He commands them to repent and return to their "first love" (v. 4). Unless they seek forgiveness, they will experience the chastening of God. In the face of impending persecution, Jesus offers words of encouragement and hope to the church in Smyrna (v. 10). Addressing the church in Pergamos, our Lord warns the people not to tolerate evil. The same message is sent to the church in Thyatira. Unless they repent, Jesus warns that He will judge them quickly and severely.
PRAYER
Praise Jesus Christ for constantly watching over you, guiding you, and encouraging you:
The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears,
And rescues them from all their troubles.
The Lord is near the brokenhearted;
He saves those crushed in spirit.
One who is righteous has many adversities,
But the Lord rescues him from them all.
He protects all his bones; not one of them is broken.
Evil brings death to the wicked,
And those who hate the righteous will be punished.
The Lord redeems the life of his servants,
And all who take refuge in him will not be punished
(Psalm 34:17-22).
Pause for praise and thanksgiving as you seek to keep your life free from sin:
Be gracious to me, God,
According to your faithful love;
According to your abundant compassion,
Blot out my rebellion.
Completely wash away my guilt
And cleanse me from my sin.
Purify me with hyssop, and I will be clean;
Wash me, and I will be whiter than snow
(Psalm 51:1-2, 7).
Confess any sins that the Holy Spirit brings to your mind, and pray this affirmation to the Lord:
Seek the Lord and his strength;
Seek his face always.
Remember the wondrous works he has done,
His wonders, and the judgments he has pronounced
(1 Chronicles 16:11-12).
As you make your requests known to the Lord, include:
Finally, offer this prayer to the Lord:
Today, recognize and keep in mind that the Lord is God in heaven above and on earth below; there is no other (Deuteronomy 4:39).
Jesus sends prophetic messages to four churches.
INSIGHT
Jesus commends the church of Ephesus for the good work that they have done. Nevertheless, He commands them to repent and return to their "first love" (v. 4). Unless they seek forgiveness, they will experience the chastening of God. In the face of impending persecution, Jesus offers words of encouragement and hope to the church in Smyrna (v. 10). Addressing the church in Pergamos, our Lord warns the people not to tolerate evil. The same message is sent to the church in Thyatira. Unless they repent, Jesus warns that He will judge them quickly and severely.
PRAYER
Praise Jesus Christ for constantly watching over you, guiding you, and encouraging you:
The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears,
And rescues them from all their troubles.
The Lord is near the brokenhearted;
He saves those crushed in spirit.
One who is righteous has many adversities,
But the Lord rescues him from them all.
He protects all his bones; not one of them is broken.
Evil brings death to the wicked,
And those who hate the righteous will be punished.
The Lord redeems the life of his servants,
And all who take refuge in him will not be punished
(Psalm 34:17-22).
Pause for praise and thanksgiving as you seek to keep your life free from sin:
Be gracious to me, God,
According to your faithful love;
According to your abundant compassion,
Blot out my rebellion.
Completely wash away my guilt
And cleanse me from my sin.
Purify me with hyssop, and I will be clean;
Wash me, and I will be whiter than snow
(Psalm 51:1-2, 7).
Confess any sins that the Holy Spirit brings to your mind, and pray this affirmation to the Lord:
Seek the Lord and his strength;
Seek his face always.
Remember the wondrous works he has done,
His wonders, and the judgments he has pronounced
(1 Chronicles 16:11-12).
As you make your requests known to the Lord, include:
- A willing attitude
- The ministries of your church
- Whatever else is on your heart
Finally, offer this prayer to the Lord:
Today, recognize and keep in mind that the Lord is God in heaven above and on earth below; there is no other (Deuteronomy 4:39).
A Dogwood Church Discipleship Ministry Resource. © Walk Thru the Bible 2025.