The Church in Ephesus - Pt. 1

 

[Jesus said] “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. I know your works, your toil and your patient endurance, and how you cannot bear with those who are evil, but have tested those who call themselves apostles and are not, and found them to be false. I know you are enduring patiently and bearing up for my name’s sake, and you have not grown weary. But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first. Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first. If not, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent. Yet this you have: you hate the works of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who conquers I will grant to eat of the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.’” (Revelation 2:1-7 ESV).

 

Today we begin to look at the Seven Churches of Asia Minor (modern day Turkey). Ephesus is the first of these seven mentioned by Jesus. There is a very important truth to notice before we begin looking at the content of each of Jesus’ messages to the churches. It is easy to feel as if the work we do goes unnoticed or at least unacknowledged. However, our service as a believer and as part of the church of Jesus never goes unnoticed. In fact, Jesus knows exactly what’s happening in church communities. He even knows them better than they know themselves.

 

In this personal letter to the church in Ephesus, Jesus reveals how close he is to this community of believers. He identifies himself as the One who “holds the seven stars in his right hand and walks among the seven golden lampstands.” In a figurative way, Jesus expresses that he holds these communities in the grip of his hand. And he walks around amid these churches. This is a picture of Jesus intentionally being close to each congregation. Jesus is so close that he knows us in all our ways.

 

Jesus knew the church in Ephesus, and he begins this letter with rich compliments. He says this church has been a guardian of the truth. False teachers and false teachings found no foothold there. Perseverance in the truth defined this church. Jesus could say, “I know you, and I know all you are doing for me!” He says this about your church too. Jesus knows everyone in your church community because he holds you all in the grip of his hand and continues to walk where your church serves. That should affect our actions and decisions.