Chapter 1 of Revelation establishes the awesomeness of Jesus as He is revealed in His glory to John. We saw that the Lord still walks among His churches (the lampstands) and has something to say to them. Remember as we enter these messages that Christ's church is the collection of believers that meet together in various places. So as we read ... look for lessons for yourself ... as a part of Christ's body.
Read Revelation 2: 1 - 7.
First, notice the descriptions of Jesus in these verses. He is the one that holds the stars (the "angels") of the churches in His hand. From our study in Chapter 1, we learned that the angels could refer to leaders, messengers of God, to the church. I think about the Lord holding them in His hand. Does that give reason to pause before being so quick to criticize them? Next time your pastor or elder stands before you, see him as being held in the hand of the Lord! And pray for them. Jesus is also described as "walking among the lampstands" (2:1) I believe Jesus still walks among His churches today. He is present. He knows our strengths and our weaknesses. My prayer for us in this study is that He show us what HE sees and that we will respond through His Spirit.
This first message is for the church in Ephesus. Make a note of the things that Jesus commends this church for. They are full of good works. He is proud of the way that this church is patient and persevering. They endure because of the name of Jesus and they have not grown weary. I find that amazing. I can get so tired! How about you? This world is a rough place - how is that for understatement! And we can grow weary. These people were persevering and patiently enduring because of the name of Jesus. That is worthy of imitation. Then comes the "but". They had abandoned their "first love". It seems the church in Ephesus had gotten so busy "doing" that they had forgotten the "being". In their busy-ness, they seem to have forgotten the first commandment: "Thou shalt love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind, soul, and strength." (Mark 12: 28 - 34) Jesus told them to repent of that ... and get back on track.
What about us - the body of Christ in 2009? Does anyone need to repent of the same failure? I do. It is so much easier for me, in this production driven culture, to be busy, to do stuff, to work than it is to be still and love the Lord ... to spend time in developing the relationship of love between myself and my God. She who has ears ... let her hear! Are there things in your life that you love more than you love God? I think about spouses, children, work that we are passionate about ... you must make your own list. Jesus says - repent of that - get back on track - return to your first love.
To those who do hear this message from Jesus ... to those who are willing to repent and turn back to first loving the Lord, above all else ... some amazing promises are given. We shall be allowed to "eat of the tree of life which is in the paradise of God." (2:7) Being a person who does love to "eat" ... this is a fabulous promise! The tree of life ... forever life ... forever.
Hallelujah!!
No comments:
Post a Comment