The Call to Repentance and Transformation

By Abba Jimmy

The letters to the seven churches in the Book of Revelation and the story of Zacchaeus in the Gospel of Luke contain a message of hope and transformation. These texts present the life-changing power of repentance and the unrelenting love of Jesus Christ.

In the Book of Revelation, Jesus addresses seven churches through John. To each, He offers words of both commendation and correction, reflecting the spiritual state of these communities. His message is a wake-up call to the churches of Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea, located in nowday Turkey. These churches were real Christian communities in Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey), but the messages to them also have spiritual significance for the Church throughout history.

1. Ephesus

Revelation 2:1–7: “To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: ‘The words of him who holds the seven stars in his right hand, who walks among the seven golden lampstands.’”

Context: The church in Ephesus is praised for its hard work, perseverance, and rejection of false teachers, but it is rebuked for abandoning its first love — its passion and devotion to Christ. The message calls for repentance and a return to love.

2. Smyrna

Revelation 2:8–11: “To the angel of the church in Smyrna write: ‘The words of the first and the last, who died and came to life.’”

Context: The church in Smyrna is commended for its faithfulness despite persecution and poverty. Jesus encourages them to remain faithful even in the face of suffering and promises the crown of life to those who overcome.

3. Pergamum:

Revelation 2:12–17: “To the angel of the church in Pergamum write: ‘The words of him who has the sharp two-edged sword.’”

Context: Pergamum is praised for holding fast to Christ’s name despite living in a city described as “where Satan’s throne is.” However, it is rebuked for tolerating false teachings and practices, such as idolatry and immorality. The call is to repent and overcome these influences.

4. Thyatira:

Revelation 2:18–29: “To the angel of the church in Thyatira write: ‘The words of the Son of God, who has eyes like a flame of fire, and whose feet are like burnished bronze.’”

Context: Thyatira is commended for its love, faith, service, and endurance, but it is criticized for tolerating the false prophetess Jezebel, who leads others into immorality and idolatry. Jesus warns of judgment and calls the church to hold fast to what is true.

5. Sardis

Revelation 3:1–6: “To the angel of the church in Sardis write: ‘The words of him who has the seven spirits of God and the seven stars.’”

Context: Sardis has a reputation for being alive but is spiritually dead. The church is called to wake up, strengthen what remains, and repent. Jesus promises that those who overcome will walk with Him in white garments.

6. Philadelphia

Revelation 3:7–13: “To the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: ‘The words of the holy one, the true one, who has the key of David.’”

Context: Philadelphia is praised for its faithfulness and for keeping God’s word despite having little power. Jesus promises protection and an open door that no one can shut, encouraging them to hold fast to their faith.

7. Laodicea

Revelation 3:14–22: “To the angel of the church in Laodicea write: ‘The words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of God’s creation.’”

Context: Laodicea is rebuked for being lukewarm — neither hot nor cold. The church is described as self-sufficient and complacent, unaware of its spiritual poverty. Jesus calls them to repent, to seek true wealth in Him, and to open the door to His transforming presence.

****

These messages from John to the seven churches challenge us to examine our faith, asking: Are we alive in Christ or merely going through the motions? Have we abandoned our first love, become lukewarm, or allowed falsehoods to creep into our lives? The Lord’s words to the church in Sardis are particularly striking:
“You have the reputation of being alive, but you are dead. Be watchful and strengthen what is left, which is going to die.”(Revelation 3:1–2)

This message offers us an opportunity to examine our conscience and acknolwdge where we are and how wew are in our relationship with God. Jesus calls us to wake up, to repent, and to return to Him with renewed zeal. He stands at the door and knocks, offering to enter our hearts and bring us into fellowship with Him:
“Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, then I will enter his house and dine with him, and he with me.” (Revelation 3:20)

The image of Jesus knocking at the door of our innermost being is one of divine mercy and compasion in action. He does not force His way in but waits for us to open the door of our hearts. And when we do, He brings with Him the fullness of the Holy Spirit — the sevenfold Spirit of God, offering wisdom, understanding, strength, renewal…

The Example of Zacchaeus:

The story of Zacchaeus from the Gospel of Luke (cf. LK 19:1–10), shows us what repentance looks like in action. Zacchaeus was a man with a reputation — not for faith, but for dishonesty and greed. As a chief tax collector, he had likely grown wealthy through extortion. Yet something stirred in his heart when he heard that Jesus was passing through Jericho (Jericho is located in the West Bank, a territory in the Middle East that is currently under Palestinian authority). Driven by curiosity and perhaps longing, he climbed a sycamore tree just to see the Lord.

What happened next was transformative. Jesus looked up at him and said:
“Zacchaeus, come down quickly, for today I must stay at your house.”

Healing Loneliness and Building Connection

In a world increasingly marked by loneliness and isolation, Jesus’s invitation to Zacchaeus and His declaration in Revelation — “Behold, I stand at the door and knock” — resonate as a profound source of hope. Jesus does not merely observe from a distance; He seeks connection, intimacy, and relationship with every person. This is not a superficial or transactional relationship but a deeply transformative and healing one, offering a secure and healthy attachment that speaks to the very core of our humanity.

Loneliness today has reached epidemic levels, as recent reports reveal, and it brings with it a cascade of emotional and mental health challenges. Many people long for connection but feel lost in how to find it. The Church has a critical role to play here — both as a spiritual home and as a community of belonging.

Jesus’s example shows us the way. He invites us, like Zacchaeus, into a relationship where we are fully seen, known, and loved. But this connection is not meant to remain isolated; it extends outward, drawing us into a greater community. His words challenge both individuals and the Church:

For persons:

Jesus invites you to open the door of your heart to Him. This step may feel daunting, especially if you have experienced rejection or hurt, but His knock is persistent and loving. When you respond, you are not just receiving a spiritual relationship — you are stepping into a community of faith that can provide the support, encouragement, and love you need.

For Churches:

Churches must prepare their doors, hearts, and communities to welcome the lonely and the searching. This means creating spaces where people feel safe, seen, and valued — a reflection of Jesus’s radical hospitality. It requires awareness of the challenges people face and intentional efforts to build meaningful connections through small groups, outreach programs, and ministries of compassion.

This is a moment for action. For those who feel the weight of loneliness, the Church is called to be a haven. For the Church, the rising tide of isolation is an opportunity to fulfill its mission as the Body of Christ — a family where all are welcome and no one is alone.

When we respond to Jesus’s knock, as Zacchaeus did, the transformation begins. He doesn’t just visit our lives — He stays, bringing healing, joy, and purpose. And through Him, we are empowered to open our arms to others, creating a ripple effect of connection and hope. Jesus is the answer to the loneliness of our age. Will we hear His knock and respond? Will we, as the Church, open our doors to the lonely who seek a home?

This is the invitation and the challenge. Let us answer it boldly.

In this moment, Zacchaeus experienced the unmerited grace of Christ. Instead of condemnation, Jesus extended an invitation. And Zacchaeus responded with joy and repentance:
“Behold, half of my possessions, Lord, I shall give to the poor, and if I have extorted anything from anyone, I shall repay it four times over.”

Zacchaeus didn’t just express regret for his sins — he took concrete steps to make amends and turn his life around. Jesus affirmed his transformation, saying:
“Today salvation has come to this house, because this man too is a descendant of Abraham. For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save what was lost.”

Zacchaeus’s story shows us that no one is beyond the reach of God’s grace. It shows that repentance brings forgiveness, joy, restoration, and salvation.

The messages of Revelation and Zacchaeus are deeply intertwined. The letters to the seven churches call us to examine our lives and wake up to the reality of our spiritual state. Zacchaeus shows us what happens when we respond to this call with humility and action.

Like the church in Sardis, we may have the appearance of being alive but lack true vitality in Christ. Zacchaeus shows us how to move beyond reputation — he was known as a sinner but became a witness to God’s transforming power.

The church in Laodicea was rebuked for being lukewarm. Zacchaeus, on the other hand, responded with fervor, welcoming Jesus into his home and making bold commitments to change his life.

Laodicea’s members believed they were rich but were spiritually poor. Zacchaeus, though materially wealthy, discovered true riches in surrendering his wealth and seeking restoration.

The letters to the churches challenge us to repent, which can feel daunting. Zacchaeus reminds us that repentance is not about fear; it is about joyfully welcoming Christ and embracing His grace.

How can we make the call to repentance practical?

• Reflect on your life in light of Jesus’s words to the seven churches. Are there areas where you’ve grown complacent, lukewarm, or distant from God?
• Like Zacchaeus, acknowledge your sins and take concrete steps to make amends. Repentance is not just about words — it’s about action.
• Open the door of your heart to Christ. Spend time in prayer, welcome Him into your daily life, and trust in His power to transform you.
• Repentance is not the end of the story — it is the beginning of a new life filled with joy, compasion for your self and others, and communion with God.

The call of Revelation and the story of Zacchaeus are for all people, in every time and place. Jesus stands at the door of your heart, knocking, waiting for you to respond. Like the churches of Revelation, He calls you to wake up, repent, and embrace the life He offers. Like Zacchaeus, you are invited to experience the joy of salvation, the power of transformation, and the beauty of walking with Christ.

Today, salvation can come to your house. Will you open the door? Will you let Him in?

Amen.