Laodicea (to Genevan 51)

Music arranged by Christiaan Nobels.

Philadelphia

Philadelphia and Laodicea

The last two of the seven letters:

The sixth letter, to Phildelphia, has no rebuke but only commendation and encouragement. I set it to the tune Bethlehem, here.

          Philadelphia

     Revelation 3:7-13

These are the words of him who is

the true and holy one,

who holds the key to David’s realm,

who every vict’ry won:

“The door I open, none can shut;

I am the kingdom’s Lord.

I know your deeds and faithfulness

and how you’ve kept my word.

I know you have but little strength,

yet you confess my name.

All Satan’s host and synagogue

I will bring down in shame.

Since you have served me patiently

and kept my royal word

I’ll keep you from the hour of trial

and persecuting sword.

“I’m coming soon! Hold fast your crown,

enduring faithfully!

You’ll be a pillar in God’s house

to dwell eternally.

I’ll write on you the name of God,

as well as my own name.

On you I’ll write these blessed words:

‘The New Jerusalem.’”

(c) George van Popta, 2013

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The seventh letter, to Laodicea, has no commendation but only rebuke. It is a call to repentance. For that reason I set it to Genevan 51 which you can hear here.

           Laodicea

  Revelation 3:14-22

These are the vows of him who speaks God’s word,

the Amen and the true and faithful witness.

I am the ruler of creation, boundless—

the one who calls to you, your God and Lord:

"I know your deeds, they are lukewarm to me.

Because you’re neither hot nor cold, I spit you

out of my mouth. Your life is vanity.

You boast and brag but you are bare and see-through.

"I counsel you to buy from me fine gold

and clothes to wear to cover up your disgrace.

I’ll give you salve to heal you of your blindness.

Repent, return to me and be consoled.

Those whom I love I warn and discipline.

I stand outside your door, you hear me knocking.

Open the way and I will enter in.

I will sit down and join with you in eating.

"To him who overcomes, I give the right

to sit with me upon my throne, exalted.

I was victorious and in heaven seated

next to my Father and his glorious might.

Have you an ear? Then listen to the word

voiced by the Spirit to the Christian churches.

Ensure you hear the vows of Christ, your Lord.

His gospel promise stands throughout the ages."

(c) George van Popta, 2013

Tepic needs Reformed missionaries

Tepic, Mexico, is a city of 500,000 and has only two Reformed churches, one of which has no pastor. The other has, at present, two missionaries, but will soon have only one as one is repatriating within the year. Tepic needs 20 more Reformed missionaries. Who will prepare himself to live in this very pleasant capital city of the Pacific state of Nayarit? Spanish is not hard to learn and the people of Tepic are warm and friendly. Young man, is this for you?

 A beautiful capital city of a Pacific state.

 Held in the grip of Roman Catholicism.

 Five hundred thousand people, many living in abysmal ignorance.

 One Reformed missionary couple, Matt and Anne-Marie Van Dyken.

Only one. They need your help.

Seven Churches: Sardis

                    Sardis

              Revelation 3:1-6

These are the words of him who holds

the seven spirits, from of old,

and seven stars within his hand,

which form the church of every land:

“All think you live but you are dead.

Wake up! Wake up! Rise from your bed!

I know your deeds are incomplete.

Arise and stand upon your feet.

“Recall, therefore, what you received.

Obey the word you once believed.

Repent from all your laziness

or I will come – to your distress.

I, like a thief, will suddenly

appear to you – surprisingly!

You do not know the time or day,

but you should know: I’m on my way.

“And yet you have a faithful few

whose clothes are clean – their lives are true.

They’ll walk with me arrayed in white

for they are worthy, my delight.

Their names are in the book of life;

they overcome the tiring strife.

Before the Father I them claim

for I will not forget their name.”

SATB version here.