August 11, 2024
Read Revelation 2: 14-17
A name is very important, as it can contain the purpose and destiny of a person’s life, exemplified by Jesus’ name predicting his destiny to save. Sometimes a person’s name reveals their character.
In Genesis 27:36, Esau stated that Jacob was aptly named – the supplanter (deceiver). He supplanted (deceived) his brother twice. This same Jacob eventually had his name changed by wrestling with an angel all night – resulting in him being given a new name.
A name contains a promise as well as a prophecy. In Genesis 17: 3-6, God changed Abram’s name to Abraham. This was a prediction of the future God had planned for him.
In Revelation 2:17, God promises a new name at the end of time. This name is however, earned as it is only promised to those who overcome.
God’s promise for those who deny him is to deny them before God the Father (Matthew 10:33).
As Christians, we are called by Christ’s name, and we are called to do more than just live on the earth. It is good to have nice things, and to visit lovely places, but our focus and goal should be Heaven. And to get there, we must overcome.
One of the ways we can overcome is by maintaining consistency. In our anchor text, God commended the Christians for keeping His name despite living in a Place described as Satan’s throne (Revelation 2:13).
God knows where we are and why. He put us where we are for a reason, and He expects us to overcome. God does not like when we deny him. Denying may not come outrightly like when Peter denied Jesus three times; sometimes it’s more subtle.
If someone asks what you did for the weekend, do you say nothing when what you did was spend it in church? If a work colleague asks you what your plans are for the future, do you deliberately mention work related things, or do you mention that you plan to go to the seminary and become a Pastor? God’s promise for those who deny him, is to deny them before God the father (Matthew 10:33)
Eternity is more than looking cool for friends, or for a new job. We cannot deny Christ and overcome. We must come to a point in our lives where we realise that no matter what, Jesus is still Lord.
Another thing we must do to overcome is to refuse to be compromised. In verses 14-15 of our anchor text, we see that God hates false doctrine. A good example is the doctrine of Balaam. A doctrine is a set of beliefs that a person holds on to. In this case, these people loved God but also held on to sexual immorality. This is different from someone who makes a mistake and falls into sexual sin.
In a similar vein, the doctrine of the Nicolaitans was to be a child of God and still believe in other religions i.e. it is considered okay to mix Christianity and the occult, which God detests.
We must refuse to be compromised by false doctrines. We must hold on to God and Him alone. We should not add or subtract anything from the fact that Jesus alone is Lord. Once we acknowledge this realisation, then overcoming is sure.
Song of Worship
I have decided to follow Jesus x 3
No turning back, no turning back!
Prayer - Father, help us today to be consistent. Guard our hearts from false doctrines. Help us to refuse to compromise our stance on our faith in Jesus Christ, and to be more vocal and confident about our faith, in Jesus’ mighty name, Amen..
Bible in 1 year: Psalms 84-86; Romans 12
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