Today’s Reading: Revelation 2:1-11; Psalm 3

John received seven messages for seven churches, each represented in his revelation by a lampstand. As we look at each one of these messages, you will hear what sounds a lot like a job performance review. You are doing these things really well, but here is where there is room for improvement and where your performance is lacking. This is what the consequence will be if you do not start doing things differently. This is the reward waiting for you if you do as I have asked you to do.

“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. You have patiently suffered for me without quitting.” – Revelation 2:1-3

This first message was for the LOYAL CHURCH in Ephesus. They were intentionally trying to do the right thing, while also expecting authenticity from those who were claiming to be apostles. Even when standing for the truth was hard, they persevered and were consistent in their stance. Unfortunately, they were missing what God wanted most from them.

“But I have this complaint against you. You don’t love me or each other as you did at first! 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. But this is in our favor: You hate the evil deeds of the Nicolaitans, just as I do.” – Revelation 2:4-6

THEIR FAITH WALK WAS BECOMING MORE OF A HABIT THAN A RELATIONSHIP.

They had taken their eyes off of the Savior in order to critique the walk of others. This had caused their love for God to fade and their love for each other to diminish. They were missing the purpose of their relationship with God — to grow in their love for God in such a way that the natural result was a greater love for others.

If I could speak all the languages of earth and of angels, but didn’t love others, I would only be a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. If I had the gift of prophecy, and if I understood all of God’s secret plans and possessed all knowledge, and if I had such faith that I could move mountains, but didn’t love others, I would be nothing. If I gave everything I have to the poor and even sacrificed my body, I could boast about it; but if I didn’t love others, I would have gained nothing. – 1 Corinthians 13:1-3

The church in Ephesus had been courageous in their protection of the truth, and they had stayed strong through all the persecution that came with their strong stance, but their passion for truth and justice had replaced their passion for God.

We have seen so many over the last few years fall victim to the same slide. Their voice for justice and truth has lost all evidence of grace and redemption. In their efforts to make sure everyone knows how right they are, they have fallen into the trap of arrogance and intolerance. They have missed the opportunity to be led by the Spirit and, in doing so, lost their influence.

“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.” – Revelation 2:7b

The second message was for the church in Smyrna — the SUFFERING CHURCH. This church had suffered so much for God but they had done so in fear. God’s message to this church was kind and compassionate – I know about your suffering and your poverty. I know the blasphemy of those who oppose you. Don’t be afraid of the suffering that is ahead of you. If you remain faithful through this difficult time, I will give you a crown of life (2:8-11).

THEIR CIRCUMSTANCES HAD THE POTENTIAL TO DRAW THEM CLOSER TO GOD.

To both of these churches, God’s message speaks of relationship. Keep your eyes on me. Do not let the behavior of others distract you from my command to love one another. And do not let fear rob you of the joy I have for you and the peace I want to give you in abundance. I want more than just your loyalty, I want your love. I know you are hurting; remain faithful to me and trust me through this difficult time.

The Lord says, “I will rescue those who love me. I will protect those who trust in my name.” – Psalm 91:14

Can you relate to either of these churches? Both of these lampstands were being called to persevere — both were patiently suffering. Do you see Jesus in these messages? Do you hear the encouragement that he has for you? I know all the things…I know about your suffering…I see how your love for me is fading due to the distractions within the church and the suffering caused by those who say they belong to God. Stay in relationship with me. Let me fill you with my love and my strength for what is ahead. Remain faithful and do not be afraid.

When I saw him, I fell at his feet as if I were dead. But he laid his right hand on me and said, “Don’t be afraid! I am the First and the Last. I am the living one. I died, but look — I am alive forever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and the grave.” – Revelation 1:17-18

But you, O Lord, are a shield around me;
you are my glory, the one who holds my head high.
I cried out to the Lord,
and he answered me from his holy mountain. – Psalm 3:3-4