The name Ephesus connotes the meaning of 'desirable' or 'the desired one'. Paul visited the city on his second missionary journey and spent over three years ministering there on his third. John became an elder of the church many years later. Paul warned the church in his parting words:
For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. (Acts 20:29-30)
Soon after the passing of the apostles and the first generation disciples, the Ephesian church faced its first crucial challenge of deceivers and false brethren, from outside and within its own ranks.
Verse 1
The One who holds the seven stars in His right hand and walks among the candlesticks is certainly aware of the conditions of His churches—a most fitting description accorded Christ as He begin His assessments.
Verses 2-3
It is heartening that our Lord knows our works and labor for Him, as well as the hardship and trials endured in our service and defense of the faith and truth. This should encourage us to be faithful and to renew our zeal in being about our Lord's business, just as He did His Father's (Luke 2:49).
Verses 4-5
Ever wonder what that first love is that Christ is referring? Is it love for Him, love for our fellow believers, or love for the lost? Yes, it's all of these.
Remember when we first received Jesus into our hearts as our Savior? Oh what joy and peace to know that all our sins are forgiven, to have a relationship with God and to call Him 'Abba, Father!' How we hungered for the Word as new born babes, how we prayed with earnestness and childlike faith, how we fellowshipped in sincerity with our brothers and sisters in the Spirit, and how we eagerly shared our faith with friends and strangers the good news!
Where is the love now?
Like the apostolic church that had degenerated into a loveless church, we have allowed our hearts to be crowded with the things of this world, and exchanged our affection from Christ to self, from serving others to serving our own interests, and from pursuing lost souls to pursuing our dreams and ambitions…
Hear the warning of the Lord: "Repent, and do the first works, or else I will come quickly and remove your candlestick out of its place!" If we're not living a life of devoted love to our Lord, then we had better watch out, lest we find the light of our testimony and witness removed, and discover that we are no longer effective or serve any good to Him anymore. It's a stern warning—and Jesus meant what He said.
Verse 6
Much has been debated as to the identity of the Nicolaitans and their deeds. Some believe this group was a follower of Nicolas, one of the seven deacons elected by the early church. Besides Stephen, he was the only one whose background was noted (Acts 6:5). There is no doubt that the Ephesian Christians knew who they were, but for many of us living today, this term is shrouded in obscurity. It is derived from the word 'nikolaos', a combination of 'nikos' (to conquer or subdue) and 'laos' (the people, from which we get the word 'laity'). In effect, Jesus hates—and that's a very strong word—the works and behavior of those who lord over and make His people dependent on and look up to them instead of Him. Sounds familiar it's almost cultic, isn't it?
While the letter is addressed to the angel of the church (those whom Jesus put in charge as watchmen, overseers and under-shepherds), it applies to each and every individual members as well. It's so easy to point an accusing or judgmental finger at pastors, elders and leaders for their failures, but the Lord holds us equally responsible for putting them on a pedestal, not covering them with prayers, and not supporting the work of the gospel through personal involvement.
We do more good for the Church when we weep and fast over its failures, reflect and repent over our lack of compassion for the needy and weaker members among us, and shake off our non-committal attitude towards the cause of Christ. Instead, we choose to stand aloof and unconcerned, critical to the faults of others to the point of feeling self-righteous and spiritual, or else thinking that whatever happens to the Church is of no consequence to us.
Verse 7
The clarion call of the Spirit echoes through the letters to the seven churches—do we have ears to hear and the desire to do what the Lord says?
He who has my commandments and keeps them is the one who loves me. (John 14:21)
This is the trademark of the overcomers, and to them Jesus promises to let them eat of the Tree of Life in the paradise (garden of Eden) of God. Adam and his descendants forfeited their rights to that tree in their rebellion; the adopted sons, through the Second Adam, will have free access to it as a result of their obedience in faith.
No comments:
Post a Comment