The Letter to the Church in Ephesus

 

“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).

 

The background of the picture attached today is that of the ancient ruins of the city of Ephesus. Etched into a stone in front of one doorway is a symbol that looks like a fish. According to tradition, this may have identified the house as a place where Christians lived and met together for worship, prayer, and fellowship. Many believe this to be one of the first churches the Apostle Paul established. It was a vibrant church that preached the gospel faithfully. It was a church that was a beacon of light in a very dark world.

 

However, in our reading today, we see a very different church. Jesus tells John to write to the church in Ephesus, saying, “I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance… You have tested those who claim to be apostles but are not, and have found them false. You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary.” Jesus’ followers in Ephesus are commended for holding up the light of Christ against the darkness of this world. The apostle Paul had earlier reminded the Ephesians, “Our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against… the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms” (cf. Ephesians 6:12). Even then, we begin to see the church wander from their “first love.” They must have grown weary in their battle against these dark forces and hardships.

 

Today, these forces still assail the Church. The attack is subtle as the enemy uses deceptive half-truths in his quest to render the message of the gospel ineffective. Many have turned to sources other than the Holy Spirit in favor of a quick victory over the immoral culture that has grown in our era. God’s Word to us today remains: Be strong, know the difference between light and darkness, be wise and ready to “live a life worthy of the calling you have received” (Ephesians 4:1). Our first love is demonstrated in an unwavering commitment to Jesus alone!

 

Let me pose a question for you to ponder… are your conversations and communications more politically centered than Jesus centered? Do you find yourself trying to change people through political change or through the work of the Holy Spirit in the hearts and minds of individuals? Our first love demands that we make Jesus our only priority!