Follow the Leader

"Remember, therefore, what you have received and heard; obey it and repent." Revelation 3:3 (NIV)

So who is Jesus talking to when He says "Repent"? He's not just talking to churches that have long since died--he's talking to every church and every Christ follower. Most of us act as if these words were meant for someone else. Specifically, Jesus' letters to the seven churches in Revelation are addressed to the angels or ministers of those churches. Why would He be writing to them, unless He expected the ministers to lead their churches in repentance? The pastors are to set the tone for those who are under their leadership. Revival should start from the pulpit. Jesus addressed those letters to the ones He held responsible for the condition of the churches. It has been said that a church will be no more spiritual than its leader. That does not mean we have no personal responsibility for our condition. But the pastor is the leader--if he is satisfied with business as usual, his church will be too. If he is not broken over sin, it's hard for the people, themselves,  to feel that "godly sorrow that leads to repentance".