Faithful on Fridays Blog

As we envision Jesus walking around the churches of all time we arrive at Pergamum. He has some words to help leaders remain strong in faith regardless of our nation or time period. We’re reminded here of another aspect of His character: a sharp, two-edged sword.

This sharp sword coming out of His mouth is cleansing as well as piercing, the Word of God (Heb. 4:12), therefore, Jesus’ striking observations purify as well as correct us.

Interestingly, His commendation included two references to Satan’s throne. Since Zeus, the pagan king of the gods was enshrined in Pergamum, he seemed to be reigning: on the outside. However, Jesus encouraged them by mentioning His martyred pastor, Antipas, and this congregation who stood firmly in the midst of paganism as well. 

Correction can be painful but it’s necessary to develop strong leaders in the church. Jesus mentioned ‘some’ who were greatly influenced by the the ‘teaching of Balaam’ and the familiar teachings of the Nicolaitans. If you read the lower story of Balaam (Num. 22-25 and 31:16) you’ll clearly see the upper story: no victory on the outside, go to the inside. Balaam taught Israel’s enemies to use sex as a stumbling block influencing them toward compromise; that’s the same strategy Satan uses today. 

Whenever we compromise our desire to live in holiness we’re following this teaching. Just a little here, a little there, and the path away from God gets wider. Food sacrificed to idols didn’t see like a ‘big deal’ but the spiritual influence was strong; sex outside of marriage between one man and one woman doesn’t seem important anymore but Jesus warns us: it is. He desires sanctification: we live differently from the world.

The solution is repentance or He’ll bring the sharp sword of correction; please listen to the voice of the Holy Spirit.

Jesus promised two rewards for His Nike (conquering) people: hidden manna and a white stone. Remember the story of manna in the wilderness experience of the Israelites (Ex. 16); God literally rained down nourishment to strengthen them. He offers us who live holy this same supernatural miracle of His strength through intimate relationship with Him. Receive His hidden manna in His Presence today.

As far as the white stone is concerned there’s much speculation in Christianity. In the lower story it could be like a VIP token of admission into the Roman Games, the symbol of athletic victory, a sign of sustained valor given to older gladiators, or a token of acquittal in a trial and many more. The only one using a specific white stone was the last one: acquittal. The Lord promised the Nike believer not only acquittal of charges against him but a new, secret, engraved name that was only known to the Bridegroom Jesus and His Bride: the Church. 

Pergamum means marriage and Jesus invites us into this love-relationship where He’s our Numero Uno, the only One we care to please, consequently living for Him.