The Message to Ephesus
Revelation 2:1-7
2 “To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: These are the words of him who holds the seven stars in his right hand, who walks among the seven golden lampstands:
2 “I know your works, your toil and your patient endurance. I know that you cannot tolerate evildoers; you have tested those who claim to be apostles but are not, and have found them to be false. 3 I also know that you are enduring patiently and bearing up for the sake of my name, and that you have not grown weary. 4 But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first. 5 Remember then from what 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. 6 Yet this is to your credit: you hate the works of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. 7 Let anyone who has an ear listen to what the Spirit is saying to the churches. To everyone who conquers, I will give permission to eat from the tree of life that is in the paradise of God.
This is the first of seven short notes one to each of the seven churches who were the first recipients of the book of Revelation.
The church in Ephesus was one of the oldest churches in the region, with a history that went back to Paul’s time. They have worked hard, they test the teaching they hear to make sure it is correct (vs. 2). Their faithfulness to the truth is applauded again in vs. 6. They have stayed faithful to Jesus and have suffered for the sake of his name. (vs. 3)
But Jesus, the one who walks among the lampstands has a problem with this church. It has “abandoned the love you had a first” – or “lost your first love.” (vs. 4) The passion, the love, the heart has gone out of the following of Jesus. They are doing the right things, they believe the right things, but it is lifeless, empty. The call is to go back to the passion, the love, the excitement of being in relationship with Jesus.
There is a serious warning if the church does not repent – the lampstand will be removed. That seems to say that the church in that community will be no more.
The Christian life – the following of Jesus – is rooted in a love for Jesus. We say again and again that Jesus loves us, and the relationship calls us to love Jesus. Over time the fire of love for God the Father, the fire of love for Jesus, the fire of love for the Holy Spirit may ebb. The call here is to find ways for that love to mature and continue, to still burn within us as a passionate love for Jesus Christ – for God – who loves us.
PRAYER:
God of mercy, we confess that our love for you has waned. We have not been faithful in our love of you and your Son, Jesus Christ. Fire in us a renewed love for you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.