As we begin the week with the third message – to the church at Pergamum – take a minute and read through the entire message: Revelation 2:12-17.
Jesus comes to the church at Pergamum with what He describes as a “sharp, double-edged sword.” It was noted earlier in the revelation that the sword was a symbol of the Word of God and more specifically the Word of truth being wielded in judgment against those whose actions and beliefs were contrary to and in opposition to the truth (cf. Eph. 6:17; Heb. 4:12). Why would this be significant to this church? Pergamum was a city rich in culture. But with that culture came the worship of many gods. A complex for Aesclepius, the god of healing, included a spring which would one could visit to be healed. Athena was the patron goddess of protection for the city. The Great Altar of Pergamum (once figured in lists of the Wonders of the World) was dedicated to Zeus. Here, too, the practice of worshipping the emperor (known as imperial cult practices) began. Is it any wonder truth is emphasized by Christ’s words? Add to this the fact that the city housed one of the greatest libraries in ancient Greek civilization (second only to the library in Alexandria) and one can see truth’s competition was fierce. A city filled with knowledge and culture led to tolerance and confusion for the early church. As we will see in coming days, the future would be difficult for the church at Pergamum.
As you go through the day, consider how much the influences of the world and Christ conflict with one another. It requires a certain amount of attention to mine through the messages of the day for God’s gems. Don’t let the world influence your decisions today. Allow Christ and His double-edged Word help you live with the mind of Christ.