Check out all the previous Unstoppable readings here.
Unstoppable Reading Plan | Week 5 | Day 3
Prayer
Take a moment to be silent and still. In order to be fully present in body and mind, take a deep breath in and let it out slowly. Do this three times. Pray that God would open your eyes to wonderful things from His word today.
Bible Reading: Revelation 2:12-17
Read these verses three times slowly.
“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, 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.
Reflection & Questions
We’re continuing to look at the “Letters to the Churches” in the book of Revelation. Today’s church is in the city of Pergamum. Jesus commends them for holding onto their faith even in a city “where satan has his throne”! Talk about challenging!
However, Jesus does rebuke the church. They are holding to false teaching and compromising their walk because of it. Just like then, today we can easily conform to the non-Christian behavior of those around us and compromise our beliefs because of it. Brennan Manning said,
“The greatest single cause of atheism in the world today is Christians: who acknowledge Jesus with their lips, walk out the door, and deny Him by their lifestyle. That is what an unbelieving world simply finds unbelievable.”
Instead, we should aim to be like Antipas. Jesus calls him “my faithful witness.” What an amazing declaration. Antipas, in the city where Satan lived, remained faithful to Jesus. He shined brightly in a dark environment, pointing people to a Savior who can rescue them.
To those who are faithful Jesus says He will give hidden manna (manna is what was provided to the Israelites in the wilderness; Jesus is saying he will strengthen them). Jesus says He will give them a white stone – which was a traditional gift given to victors at games for entrance to banquets (think VIP pass in heaven). Finally, He says he will give them a new name – a new identity. These are priceless gifts for believers who remain faithful. Let us be those believers!
- Where are you tempted to conform to be like our culture or compromise in your beliefs? Are you pointing people to Jesus or away from Him? Talk to God about that.
- Which of Jesus’ promises to those who stay faithful sticks out to you today? Why?
Prayer
Talk to God in response to today’s reading.
Worship Song
You might use this song today to worship Jesus today:
Check out more Bible Reading Plans here.
Questions?
Ed Applegate
