Pergamos: The Conflicted Congregation
Revelation 2:12-17 We all hold fast to something; Top priority assigning, It’s worth promoting and protecting, Advancing and defending. Believers at Pergamos were the same. Some valued and held fast to Christ’s name, Even in a city whose allegiance Satan claimed. Not even martyrdom could change their holy aim. Others held fast to mis-guided Christian liberty; The same word “hold” described their tenacity. “Enjoy what you will, you have security;” But living like this had fettered the free. Jesus told them repent, or face Him as foe. Trade idols’ meat, His manna to know. Instead of a stumblingblock, receive a white stone – A vote of His favor, a new name of their own. Against all* that would from Christ detract, May holding fast to Your name be what I enact Day in and day out, because of the fact That I am Your own by salvation’s pact. *This is a word play on the name Antipas , whom Jesus mentioned in verse 13. ...