April 14 | Revelation 2:12-17

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DAILY READING

Revelation 2:12-17

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REFLECTION

Hold Fast

By Kim Starr

 Pergamum was an ancient city located 15 miles from the Aegean Sea in what we now call Turkey. It was a major cultural arts center and intellectual hub that rivaled Alexandria in being a focus of learning and art. The Library of Pergamon was known for holding the second-largest collection of scrolls in the ancient world. The Pergamon Altar, which is now housed in a museum in Berlin, was a masterpiece of Hellenistic sculpture focusing on capturing the intensity of emotion, dynamic movement, and featuring themes of agony, suffering, and dramatic theatrics. It sat high on the acropolis, was often identified as Satan’s Throne, and served as a place for sacrificial rights to the gods. The altar featured intricate carvings highlighting the conflict between pagan and Christian ideology.

In reading the letter to the church at Pergamum, you can easily insert where we live and get the same message. In both Pergamum and Columbus, there are people who follow Christ and people who don’t. In the reading, the Pergamum Christians are commended for their faithfulness, for remaining true to Jesus’ name. Even when one of their own, Antipas, is martyred, they stand firm in their faith. However, there are also some who have strayed from the faith and Jesus is calling them back and asking them to repent. Can't you see God looking at us from heaven and being proud of those of us who have held onto our faith? Can't you see him encouraging those of us who have strayed to repent and return to his loving arms? Fortunately, we don't have a structure like Satan's Throne sitting high on a hill overlooking our city to lure us. Even so, we have plenty of other circumstances and situations to distract us and challenge us to change our priorities. What is "Satan's Throne" for you? Name it, discard it, repent, and focus your attention on Jesus.

The letter to the Pergamum church can be an example for us. No matter the circumstances, we should be steadfast and cling to our faith, too. We have plenty in the world to tempt or entice us to turn from our faith. However, if we keep our focus on Jesus, his teachings, and what he wants for us, we, too, can hold on to our faith and be a light for him. People will notice us: how we act, what we say, and how we treat others. We can be a positive example of what life in Jesus can look like. And, if we should stray, we can repent and, once again, be conformed to the likeness of Jesus, have intimate fellowship with him, and have eternal life.

PRAYER

Lord, help us to hold fast to our faith. Let us be people that God can see are remaining true to your name. Let us be an example, a light, to others so that they can come to know you. Amen.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kim Starr

I have been a member of UALC since I was 2-years-old. Over my life I have participated in, and volunteered for, numerous ministries, programs, and activities, all of which have grown and strengthened my faith. I have been blessed beyond measure by not only being a part of this congregation, but also by being able to worship with three generations of my family.