He who has an ear: Learning from the seven churches.

(Reflections from Revelation 2-3­)

“If Jesus Himself wrote a personal letter to you or to our church, what would He say?” Would He commend our love and perseverance, or would He expose a hidden drift?

To every church in Revelation, Christ still declares: “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches” (Rev. 2:7)

These seven letters were originally sent to real congregations in Asia Minor, yet their message is timeless. They are not mere history lessons but they are the living words of Christ speaking to His Church in every generation to every believer and every generation —including ours.

Ephesus: The Loveless Church (Rev.2:1-7). Jesus commended Ephesus for her hard work, perseverance, and doctrinal purity, yet He rebuked it for abandoning their first love (v.4). This reminds us that right doctrine and relentless service mean nothing without burning affection for Christ.

In our generation, Youth ministries can overflow with events, vibrant music, and service projects yet drift from personal devotion. Activities must never outrun intimacy. We must return daily to prayer, Scripture, and passionate true worship —rekindling love for Christ above all else.

Smyrna: The Persecuted Church (Rev. 2:8-11). Though poor in material possessions, Smyrna was rich in faith. Jesus urged them to remain faithful even unto death, promising the crown of life (v.10). This teaches that faithfulness attracts opposition, but spiritual wealth outweighs material comfort. “For what shall it profit a man to win the riches of this world and lose His Soul” (Mk. 8:36). This comes to encourage us to stand firm when mocked for moral purity or biblical convictions, we must stand firm —knowing that trials refine our faith and prove that Christ is worth more than comfort.

Pergamum: The Compromising Church (Rev. 2:12-17). Christ acknowledged their steadfastness in holding to his name, yet rebuked them for tolerating false teaching (v. 14-15). Many today confess Christ yet comprise with the world. We must guard against entertainment, relationships, or online influencers that normalize sin. Hold fast —not culture —even when culture celebrates compromise.

Thyatira: The Corrupt Church (Rev. 2:18-29). We should realize that growing in love and service, but tolerating the Jezebel spirit of idolatry and immorality is unpleasant to God hence Love without truth is ruin. True love confronts sin, holds friends accountable, and calls us to holiness. Acceptance without discernment is not Christlike love; as Paul writes “Let your love abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight” (Phil.1:9).

Sardis: The Dead Church (Rev.3:1-6). Sardis had a reputation for being alive but was spiritually dead (v.1). He writes telling them that a reputation for life, but spiritually dead is like photo with filters which is different from the original appearance of the individual. Appearance is not reality, A vibrant Instagram feed, high energy worship band, having impressive Christian literature and memorizing scripture does not equal to spiritual health. Christ’s call remains urgent: “Wake up, strengthen what remains and is about to die” (v.2). Personal devotion and genuine community matter far more than performance or reputation.

Philadelphia: The Faithful Church (Rev. 3:7-13). Though weak in strength, Philadelphia remined in obedience. Jesus promised them an open door no one could shut (v.8). Thus, John writes in appreciation of their little strength, yet unwavering in obedience. Weakness is no barrier when faith is strong. Even if you feel overlooked or under-resourced, Christ’s authority gives you opportunities to witness and serve. Faithfulness in small things wins eternal reward.

Laodicea: The Lukewarm Church (Rev. 3:14-22). Laodicea was a self-sufficient yet spiritually poor, blind, and naked (v.17). This tarries with us today who are Lukewarm in faith and un intentional in our Christian life, this makes Christ sick. Comfort can make us insensitive to our need for God. Yet Christ still stands at the door and knocks, calling us to zealous repentance and renewed fellowship (v.20).

Unchanging truths for us.

• Christ Knows His Church. Over and over He says, “I know your works.” Nothing is hidden for he searches deep in our every detail.
• Listen and Obey. Each letter ends with “He who has an ear, let him hear what the spirit says to the churches.” True hearing means to observe, repent, and act.
• Promises to the Overcomer. The tree of life (2:7), the crown of life (2:10), hidden manna (2:17), white garments (3:5), and a place with Christ on His throne (3:21) await those who endure in faith. The suffering is great but the Rewards are eternal and greater.

These letters are a mirror—they expose lost love, fear, compromise, corruption, deadness, weakness, and Luke warmness —but they also extend hope. Jesus still knocks: “Behold, I stand at the door and knock” (Rev. 3:20). Let us open our ears and hearts and allow the spirit to awaken us. “let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall” (1 Cor.10:12). The Overcomer is Christ Himself through His death and resurrection He offers forgiveness, renewal, and eternal life. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.

Devotional Testimony: Sylivia Babirye –Malachi Family

I am glad to have been part of the September Chosen family devotions. I thank God for the opportunity that was given to me to be part of those leading the devotions this month.

Firstly, leading devotions this month revived my love for reading the Bible in its traditional, manual way This month I have given the Holy Spirit the way to use me. The blessing to lead has drawn me back to God, something happened to me recently and it made me bitter and feel betrayed by God but this month obligation to lead devotion has been like a chance for me to go back to God.

Secondly, the theme of the devotion “He who’s an ear” (Rev. 2:7) has lived rent free in my heart the whole month, constantly stirring me to repent every second I was reminded of the theme.

Lastly, before this, I found the book of Revelation intimidating–not understandable. I used to think it’s this scary Bible book that talks about the end and everything that will happen. I never saw myself take time to explore the book. Through the devotions, I have been made to understand that the book is not scaring like I thought, rather it’s a letter of love, warning and hope from Christ to His people. It is not meant to scare us, but to draw us closer to Him. I thank God for the impact this month has had on my spiritual growth and renewed intimacy with Christ.