Revelation 2:1 – “Write this letter to the angel of the church in Ephesus. This is the message from the one who holds the seven stars in his right hand, the one who walks among the seven gold lampstands:
2 “I know all the things you do. I have seen your hard work and your patient endurance. I know you don’t tolerate evil people. You have examined the claims of those who say they are apostles but are not. You have discovered they are liars. 3 You have patiently suffered for me without quitting.
4 “But I have this complaint against you. You don’t love me or each other as you did at first! 5 Look how far you have fallen! Turn back to me and do the works you did at first. If you don’t repent, I will come and remove your lampstand from its place among the churches. 6 But this is in your favor: You hate the evil deeds of the Nicolaitans, just as I do.
7 “Anyone with ears to hear must listen to the Spirit and understand what he is saying to the churches. To everyone who is victorious I will give fruit from the tree of life in the paradise of God. (NLT)
I seem to have found my way into the Book of Revelation, so we might as well continue for a while! At the close of chapter one, we are told that it is the Risen Christ who speaks these words. This section is written to the church in Ephesus. Ephesus was a huge city, and like Rome, many roads led to Ephesus. It was also a major center for the worship of various pagan gods, and was considered a wicked and dangerous place.
In verse one, Jesus says that he holds the seven stars in his right hand, and walks among the gold lampstands. Lampstands was imagery of that day to signify the churches (think of letting your light shine). Jesus is writing to seven churches, but seven was also a number that meant completeness. This letter is for the Church universal. The word we translate as hold had a stronger meaning in the Greek, it meant to have total control over something. The Church belongs to Jesus, and the Apostle Paul even called the Church the Body of Christ.
In verses four and five Jesus shares his complaint against the Church in Ephesus. The phrase is one that means that their first rush of enthusiasm has worn off. Sadly, this is the case when many come to know Jesus – they are all excited at first, but as time goes on they let their enthusiasm die. With their lack of enthusiasm for Christ came a lack of love and concern for others, as well. We are all called to love others, but we must nurture our love for Jesus first. Without love for Jesus, our care and ministry for others will be replaced with a love and enthusiasm for the world.
In verse six, Jesus says: “You hate the evil deeds of the Nicolaitans, just as I do.” The Nicolaitans were associated with the teachings Balaam, a pagan god. They were also associated with immoral sexual practices. It seems as if the Nicolaitans were not willing to be different from the rest of the world. We are called to be different – to act and speak differently. The difference in our lives should be easily noticed.
In verse seven Jesus promises the tree of life for those who overcome the desires of this world. Are we saved by our actions? No, but if Jesus is truly in our heart, then our actions will reflect Jesus.
In light of this ancient and difficult text, let us strive to make every effort to nurture our relationship with Jesus, so that our lives will reflect the one who is merciful and loving. Let us strive to be noticeably different!
Posted by Ramón Torres