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"Dear..." - A Poem on the Letters to the Seven Churches in Revelation 2–4

A poem on the letters to the seven churches in Revelation 2–4 I wrote in my personal devotions a few months ago when nearing the end of my journey to read through the whole Bible.


Dear Ephesus, you work so hard

and wicked people there you barred.

Yet you have lost your earlier love,

so now repent; love God above.


Dear Smyrna, rich, while poor, in pain—

fear not to suffer once again.

Be faithful, even unto death,

and I will give you life and breath.


Dear Pergamum, where Satan lives,

your faith, surprisingly, still thrives. 

But you condone such heresy

if you do not repent, you'll die!


Dear Thyatira, you have shown

your deeds, your faith, your love have grown.

But this about you I despise:

you bear that prostitute who lies.


Dear Sardis, you all really think 

you are alive? You're at death's brink!

So wake up! Strengthen what remains, 

else I will frighten, give you pains.


Dear Philadelphia, I know

your deeds, yet little strength to show.

you keep my name, true all the while,

so I will keep you all from trial.


Dear Laodocia, I wish that you 

were cold or hot—I may just spew!

So listen now, do not ignore,

I stand here knocking at your door.

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