The Man to Whom Christ Reveals His Burden

In Revelation chapters 2 and 3 we have an evaluation of the seven local Churches in Asia by the risen Lord Jesus Christ. In these seven letters we see the burden of the Lord Jesus for the local congregations. What made the Lord Jesus to reveal to His heart's concern to apostle John?
     Even today, He has a burden for the local churches. He is still carefully watching the activities of the assemblies. With whom shall the Lord Jesus share this concern? What kind of person shall He use?
     Remember, God doesn't use just anybody. He is looking for the right person, (2Chr. 16:9). The following are some of the pre-requisites found in this chapter:
1. Humility, Rev. 1:1, 9
John was an Apostle, and one among the inner circle of Christ along with Peter and James. He has served as an elder of a local church. Yet this senior most servant of God introduces himself as a 'servant' and 'brother'.
     That is 'humility'- power under control - the ability to be 'nobody' when actually one is 'somebody' indeed! He is willing to come down without any show of position or greatness. Remember, a bond-servant has no claim, no right because he is fully surrendered to the Master.
     The world may appreciate the flaunting of power and wealth but God will never. God will bless and use the humble ones. Psalmist says, "The humble He guides in justice, And the humble He teaches His way" (Psa. 25:9).
2. Sympathy, Rev.1:9
"Your .... companion in the tribulation" - Apostle John also identifies himself with the readers who suffer. He was saying indirectly, 'you are not alone'; 'I understand your sufferings', etc. He was concerned about their welfare.
     Writing to elder Gaius, John wrote, 'Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers' (3John v. 2). Notice, his care and sympathy for the people of God.
     Similarly, Paul wrote to believers in Philippi "I have you in my heart", (Phil. 1:7). God is looking for such concerned men of God to share His feelings for the churches.
     More than doing something as a duty, they need to feel the pain and frustrations of the saints. People are attracted to such sympathetic leaders. (Elders take a note, for good or bad, people get attracted to those who sympathize with them in all humility.) When the Lord saw the desperate condition of the people He was moved with compassion, Matt. 9:36. Even today as a sympathetic High Priest He intercedes for us, (Heb. 2:17; 4:15).
     Sadly, today we have too much preaching, eloquent and powerful, but with very little personal touch.
3. Self-sacrifice. V.9
John doesn't say a word of sympathy but actually going through severe sufferings. During the days of Emperor Domitian, he faced severe persecution and later he was exiled to the Isle of Patmos. That's why he says that he is a 'companion in tribulation and suffering'.
     Willingness to suffer is another prerequisite to be used for God. We may have to spend our resources, time, and energy etc., in the service of the Lord. Many sleepless nights, false allegations and tears are also part of a leader's life. Any self-desire, selfish ambition and self-projection etc., ruins the work of the Lord.
4. Loyalty to the word. v.9
"For the word of God" -Apostle John suffered because of his commitment to the Word of God. He chose to stand for the truth. He did not dilute the truth or hide it. See his letters; he categorically declares what is true and who is genuine. He was a faithful defender of the truth. Notice some of his statements from his letters: -
     =>Disobedient and loveless believers are liars (1Jn. 2:4; 4:20).
     => It is good that false believers leave the assembly (1Jn. 2:19)
     =>Do not even greet a false teacher, (2Jn v. 10) How strong was his conviction and stand!
5. Spirit-fullness. V.10
"In the spirit" - Though all believers are indwelt by the Holy Spirit, not all are filled with the Spirit (Eph. 5: 18). Fullness and control of the Holy Spirit are possible only when the Word of God richly dwells in our heart (Col. 3:16).
     Any ministry in the Church of God must be carried out by men full of the Holy Spirit, even if it is manual labor, (Acts 6:3; 11:24). God can use only those who are led and guided by Spirit.
     Often due to ignorance, disobedience or even sin, the Holy Spirit is unable to work, (Eph. 4:30; 1The.5:19; Acts 16:6, 7). Many are not properly tuned to hear the voice of the Spirit of God (1Cor. 2:14). The Lord is looking for saints who will allow the Holy Spirit to take possession of them to accomplish His purposes.
6. Intimacy. V.10
"I was in the Spirit on the Lord's Day" - Notice how he describes the first day of the week as 'Lord's Day'. Though alone, he is conscious of the time and days. He gave special importance to the Lord's Day, the first day of the week, the Day when His Lord rose again from the dead. That is the day when saints worship and remember Him collectively. It seems John spent much of his time at the feet of the Lord.
     Earlier too we read, he enjoyed a close, intimate relation with the Lord Jesus, (Jn.13:23). As a result, John was able to understand the mind of the Lord. When all the others fled, he was at the cross of Christ along with those sisters. It was to him the Lord entrusted the responsibility of taking care of his mother (John 19:26).
     That is the way God always works. He speaks to those who are nearer to Him. He will use them, reveal His secrets and burden to them. Further, He will also reveal Himself to those who are closer to Him, (Cf. Matt. 17:2ff; John 14:23; Ps. 25:14)
     Stay close to Him, enjoy intimate fellowship with Christ, know Him more personally, see his glory and greatness, and then He will entrust responsibility. Remember, no man or an institution can give us ministry. The Lord Himself equips, appoints and entrusts us with service when we are close to Him (Isa. 6:8; John 15:27). G&P