What a Message to Seven Ancient Churches Means for Us Now
When you first read Revelation 1:11, it can seem a little mysterious—a message about writing things down and sending them off to a bunch of churches with unfamiliar names in a faraway place. But when you peel back the layers, there’s something surprisingly simple, practical, and even comforting about what’s going on in this verse. Let’s walk through it together, step by step, leaving behind complicated words and focusing on what it means for ordinary people living in the here and now.
Understanding the Scene: A Letter from Exile
Imagine being John, the writer of Revelation. He’s not sitting comfortably at home, but instead, he’s stuck on a rocky island called Patmos, cut off from the world he knows. It’s here, in isolation, that he has this powerful vision—a kind of vivid dream or spiritual experience. In this vision, a voice speaks to him. Most people believe this voice belongs to Jesus. The voice doesn’t just give him good advice or comforting words. Instead, it tells him to write down everything he sees and hears and to send it to seven churches with names like Ephesus, Smyrna, and Laodicea.
It’s almost like someone today getting a text with urgent news, then being told, “Don’t just keep this for yourself—share it with everyone who needs to hear it.” But instead of sending a text, John uses what he has: a scroll and a pen. The message is for real people, living in real places, and facing real struggles.
What’s So Special About the Seven Churches?
At first glance, the number seven might feel random or even limiting. After all, there were more than seven churches in the area. Why only these? Well, in the Bible, the number seven often represents something bigger than itself—it means completeness or wholeness. In other words, by naming these seven churches, the message is actually aimed at all churches, all groups, and all people who would ever read it. It’s a way of saying, “Pay attention—this isn’t just for a select few.”
Each church named in the verse was unique. Some were strong in faith, some were struggling, and some were drifting away from their beliefs. The idea was not to play favorites or call out only the ones in trouble. Instead, it was about giving everyone a chance to listen, learn, and grow. In this way, these churches serve as stand-ins for all kinds of communities, whether they’re religious, social, or even just groups of friends or families.
Simple Meaning: Sharing What Matters
When you strip away the ancient names and the dramatic setting, Revelation 1:11 is really about sharing what matters. John is told not to keep his vision to himself. He’s to write it down so that others can benefit from it too. That’s something we all understand. If you hear good advice, discover something important, or experience a moment that could help someone else, the natural thing is to pass it on. By writing things down, John makes sure that these messages don’t get lost, misunderstood, or ignored. They become lasting words that anyone can read and reflect on.
Why It Still Matters: Everyday Lessons
So, why should anyone care about this verse today? After all, it was written nearly two thousand years ago to people in a part of the world many of us have never visited. Yet, the challenges faced by those seven churches aren’t so different from what we go through now. Here’s how:
- Facing Challenges: The early churches dealt with hardships, questions about faith, and how to hold on to hope in a tough world. We all face our own versions of these challenges—whether it’s in our families, jobs, or personal lives.
- Reflecting Honestly: The message wasn’t just to praise or criticize; it was to help each group see itself clearly. It’s a nudge we all need sometimes: take a look at what you’re doing well, but also admit where you could do better.
- Messages for Everyone: Choosing seven churches is a way of saying, “This is for all of us.” Whether you go to church every week, only on special occasions, or not at all, the core ideas still hold true: be open to feedback, stay strong through tough times, and keep growing as a person.
- Writing and Remembering: By writing the message down, John showed the power of sharing ideas in a way that lasts. Today, we have more ways than ever to do this—letters, emails, social media, or just talking face-to-face. The key is not to keep goodness locked away.
Personal Reflection: What I Take Away
As I think about Revelation 1:11, what strikes me most is how this ancient instruction is so down-to-earth and relevant. A voice tells John to write things down and share them. At its heart, it’s a reminder that we’re not meant to keep our wisdom, our struggles, or our victories to ourselves. When we share our stories—good and bad—we give others a chance to feel less alone and to learn from what we’ve been through.
It also makes me think about the value of honest self-reflection. The seven churches had to ask themselves tough questions: Are we living up to our beliefs? Are we supporting each other? Where do we need to change? In my own life, I try (even if I don’t always succeed) to reflect on these questions too. Am I showing kindness? Am I open to learning? Am I helping my community or just looking out for myself?
Finally, the verse reminds me that important truths are meant for everyone. Sometimes, we can get caught up in thinking that spiritual wisdom or good advice only applies to people in certain groups or with specific backgrounds. But Revelation 1:11 breaks down those barriers. Its message is for anyone who’s willing to listen, reflect, and grow.
Modern Connections: Applying the Message
In our world today, information moves fast. We’re bombarded with messages from all directions—some helpful, some not so much. Amid all that noise, the call to write, reflect, and share what matters is more important than ever. Whether it’s telling your story online, encouraging a friend, or keeping a journal, the idea is the same: don’t let the good stuff stay hidden. Let your experiences, insights, and even your questions become a light for others.
It also means being open to what others have to say. The churches in Revelation had to listen to feedback, even when it wasn’t easy. We can do the same—by listening to those around us, being open to constructive criticism, and embracing change when it’s needed. That’s how we grow—as individuals, families, and communities.
And perhaps most importantly, sharing what matters connects us with something bigger than ourselves. For John, it was a direct message from the divine. For us, it might be a sense of purpose, belonging, or the simple knowledge that we’re making a difference in someone else’s life.
Conclusion: A Living Message
Revelation 1:11 isn’t just a line in an old book. It’s an invitation. Write down what you’ve learned. Reflect honestly on where you are and where you want to go. Share your wisdom with others, and be open to hearing what they have to share in return. Whether you’re part of a church, another kind of community, or just finding your own way, this verse holds a timeless truth: we’re all connected by the stories we tell and the lessons we share. In doing so, we help each other find meaning, hope, and a way forward—one honest word at a time.
Minister A Francine Green
afrancinegreen.com 