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.