Text: Revelation 2:1-7
In recent years it has become customary in South Africa to have a State of the Nation address. Indeed, this has been extended to more localised State of the Province addresses. Often-times this is nothing more than a talk shop. However, when the risen Lord Jesus Christ issues a state of the church address, we would do well to take notice. His assessment can be fully trusted. The first church to be audited is Ephesus.
TO THE CHURCH IN EPHESUS
Ephesus was the most important city in Asia Minor, and the Roman governor lived there. Its population was about 250 000. It was built on the Cayster river and was a harbour port in the first century. The river has long since silted up – the harbour today is about six miles down the river. The famous temple of Artemis (Diana) one of the seven wonders of the ancient world was in Ephesus. Paul planted a church here which was later pastored by Timothy and later in life John lived there.
- THE PRAISE HE OFFERS – in vrs 1-3, 6 Jesus praises the church at Ephesus. Firstly, he praises them for their tireless work. In vrs 2 he says, I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance. You have all heard about the 80/20 rule in church life haven’t you? This rule says 80% of the work is done by 20% of the people. A handful of people get all the back breaking work done. Not in Ephesus! Secondly, in vrs 2 he mentions their spiritual discernment. I know that you cannot tolerate wicked men, that you have tested those who claim to be apostles but are not, and have found them false. In vrs 6 these false teachers are identified as Nicolaitans. This was a group of 1st century heretics who taught that you could become a Christian and continue to live like the rest of the world. Make no mistake this was quite some church. If we read their church bulletin it would be packed with activities and ministries. These guys love God’s Word and they are not afraid to volunteer to work. But all was not quite what it appeared to be.
- THE PROBLEM HE CONFRONTS – In vrs 4, 5 we go on to read about the problem that Jesus confronts. There was one big cancerous problem that threatened to override all their other strengths. Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken your first love. The church at Ephesus was once a loving community. What love had they forsaken? Was it their love for God or love for fellow believers? Perhaps both. In Mark 12:30, 31 in answering a question as to what the greatest commandment is Jesus said, Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbour as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.” The Lord Jesus Christ offers the church in Ephesus his prescription in vrs 5, remember the height from which you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first.
- THE PROSPECT THEY FACED. If the Ephesians did not heed the call to repent they faced a gloomy prospect. In vrs 5 Jesus warned them, If you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place. The early church thrived in Asia Minor. All these letters were written to churches in modern day Turkey. How many Christians are there in Turkey today? Has Christ removed his lampstand? Of course, he can replace it again and there are encouraging signs of that taking place as we speak. In vrs 7 Jesus ends on a positive note; he who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God. I think we know what is meant here. When Adam sinned, he was barred from Eden and could not eat of the tree of life. This tree of life is gloriously depicted in the final chapter of Revelation where in the New Jerusalem a river is pictured as flowing down the main street. On each side of the river stood the trees of life, which bore twelve crops of fruit, one for each month of the year. What a wonderful picture of the delights of heaven. This is what Christ promises to his faithful followers. What more can he promise?