For over forty years Jack Hayford has been a pastor, teacher, author, and hymn writer in southern California. He has blessed countless people with a deep love for the Lord and an incredible ability to communicate God’s truths. Recently I heard him teach about the letters to the seven churches in Revelation 2 and 3. His emphasis was on Jesus’ desire for the churches to be in a right place with God. Who can see our exact spiritual state but the King of kings? Perfect evaluation is a great gift! Any praise or any rebuke from Jesus is rooted in love and is right on the mark. Jack Hayford pointed out two common statements found in each of the seven letters. First, Jesus tells everyone to listen: “He who has ears to hear, let him hear…” Jesus also promises a blessing to everyone that overcomes.
So how do I overcome? Can I overcome sin? Can I overcome disaster? Sickness? Death? The answer is ‘yes,’ but we must know the way. “To him who overcomes, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I overcame and sat down with my Father on his throne.” Our hope centers in the One who overcame. He walked the same earth we do. He confronted evil, disappointment, sickness, and death. His secret was to look with child-like trust to his Father. “My Father will help me overcome.” This is why we read of Jesus getting up early to pray or going to a garden to spend time with his Father or simply looking up for guidance in a particular situation.
The world came against Jesus just as the world comes against us. But Jesus overcame… and we can overcome. “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)
“My Savior will help me overcome.” This is the truth we must remember. And if, as in several of the churches in Revelation, the problem is of my own making, a loving God corrects and calls to repentance. “Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent. Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me.” (Revelation 3:19-20)
“A Mighty Fortress” by Martin Luther (verse 2)
“Did we in our own strength confide, our striving would be losing;
Were not the right One on our side, the Man of God’s own choosing.
Dost ask who that may be? Christ Jesus, it is He; Lord Sabaoth is His name,
From age to age the same, and He must win the battle.”