Time in the Coach's Room

Written by Matt Clarke | April 21, 2025

It is a literal walk through human nature. While the entire book of Revelation can be a bit of a beautiful, complex, adventurous, hard-to-fully-understand saga that takes a lot of "I need to read that again" and deep contemplation to fully grasp, chapters 2 and 3 lay down some straight-up truth.

These two chapters are like stepping into the film room with Jesus as the position coach. Look at this play. See, right there. Great block! But you stayed on it too long and missed your assignment. Let's peel off and get down the field next time.

"I know all the things you do. I have seen your love, your faith, your service, and your patient endurance. And I can see your constant improvement in all these things. But I have this complaint against you. You are permitting that woman-that Jezebel who calls herself a prophet-to lead my servants astray." (Revelation 2:19-20)

Like any good coach, Jesus points out the good, the bad, and the ugly, wrapping up each session with encouragement.

He instills the belief that victory will come, but we have to follow the game plan and put in the work. As he goes from unit to unit, he lays out things that most of us who call ourselves human can claim on some level.

Ephesus: You are patient, steadfast, and don't tolerate evil. Good job! But you have no passion. You're cruising along and don't have a fire in your belly. Too much legalism and too little love.
Smyrna: Hold on. Stand firm. I know you are poor and suffering, but don't whine about it. It's gonna turn out great. Don't quit. I know it's hard.
Pergamum: You have shown great loyalty; thank you! That said, there are a few bad apples you tolerate. Clean that up, or the whole team suffers.
Thyatira: (verse above) Impressed by your constant improvement! Love, faith, service, endurance, keep at it. But temptation...man, you got it good. That stove is hot and will burn you. Gotta guard your eyes!
Sardis: Stop chasing public opinion, followers, and likes. Chasing the world is chasing the wind. Find the few that don't and find true life.
Philadelphia: Atta boy! You've stayed disciplined and obedient despite being what the world considers weak. Trust me, I'll take what people call weak and make it your greatest strength.
Laodicea: Get off the field if you aren't going to care. Be in or be out. Don't just go through the motions. We need players with desire and vision, not wet noodles. Get in the game or get out of the way.

As I looked over my notes on these chapters, I realized I've been hanging out in each one of these churches at one time or another. That's what a great coach and friend does. Loves you enough to speak the sober truth, with encouragement to you so that you can constantly get better and put up some victories.

Get in the film room with Coach and work on your game. There's some time left on the clock. Use it well. Check out how he ends the meeting...what a promise!

"Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends. Those who are victorious will sit with me on my throne, just as I was victorious and sat with my Father on his throne. Anyone with ears to hear must listen to the Spirit and understand what he is saying to the churches." (Revelation 3:20-22)

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