The book of Revelation begins with special letters for the seven churches of Asia Minor in chapters 2 and 3. Repeated often is the expression ‘He that hath ears to hear, let him hear”. The various congregations were to ‘really hear’ and guard themselves of various temptations and sins mentioned as well as repent of the sins when already committed. Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamos, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia and Laodecia were often warned ‘their candlestick would not remain in those cities unless they repented’. By checking back to chaper 1 we see in the closing verses the candlestick represented the identity of the church belonging to the Lord. Thus, they are warned they could lose their identity. Should they not use their ‘ears to hear’, really hear? What about our day? The Lord through Paul warned the brethren at Colosse to avoid ‘will worship’ which was man-made(2:18ff). Outward attention paid to events in the church often make spectators out of the membership rather than worshippers ‘in spirit and in truth’ (John 4:24). Peter warned the brethren of ‘lords over God’s heritage’ and the brethren being led astray by such controlling brethren (1 Peter 5:1-5). Should we not remember to ‘listen’ to such a warning knowing such men have to be accountable to the ‘Chief Shepard’ ? The simple worship of God is identified in 1 Corinthians 11, 14 and 16 in the correction of misused efforts to change the Lord’s Supper, singing , praying, preaching and the contribution. By coming prepared for worship and leading the people to do their best in thanking God and praising the Lord, we will demonstrate we ‘hear’. Are you a worshipper of our Lord? or a spectator of performances being done ?
