"Letter To Ephesus"
7.12.15
A simple white line on one side of the screen, and a second white line on the other side of the screen with a "ball" of small pixels bouncing back and forth. This was the beginning of a very profitable video game industry. This simple "PONG" game launched the video game revolution. Many companies rushed into the exciting enterprise, but none greater than Atari. In its hey day, Atari could do no wrong. Everything seemed to turn to gold for them. And in 1982 the gaming company had its next big hit: a game based on the mega movie E.T. With little time, and rushed production, Atari introduced the world to a truly boring game experience. It was so bad, that many of the games were bought back by the company and buried in secret burial spots in the desert. The failure was enough to set the gaming industry on its ears and nearly out for good. It would take a few years and a new leader in the gaming system universe, Nintendo NES, to set the gaming industry right again. Atari would never be the same, and the once powerful force was permanently humbled.
Ephesus was in a similar situation during the first century. As part of a port system of goods traveling throughout the middle east and Mediterranean, it had accumulated a great wealth. They built bigger docks, and bigger boats came in. With bigger boats, came bigger profits. Then the sea turned on them. Silt began collecting in heir harbors and making it difficult to dock the boats. As the water began moving back from the city, the boats found new ports and the wealth followed. The once mighty city was humbled.
They found some relief in the sale of silversmith goods related to tourism to the local Temple of Artemis. This industry was growing until a new religion called the Way (Christianity) came to town. It became such a conflict, that we read in Acts 19 where the silversmiths and other temple related business owners gathered together to protest Paul and his followers. They sought them out in an effort to find them and hurt them for the reduction of profit in their trades. Thankfully cooler heads prevailed, but it demonstrates the level of tension in the city and the level of persecution the believers in this faith community faced.
In Revelation chapters 2 and 3 we find seven short letters authored by Jesus to seven churches in first century Asia. These small but mighty letters sit wedged between the awe striking picture of a resurrected Christ appearing to John and the depiction of the final weeks of man on earth. In each letter Jesus gives the churches and us a picture of his purpose, his observations, and promises to each of us as we are open to hear what he has to say. Jesus begins with the church of Ephesus.
Identity of Jesus:
(v.1) He holds the seven stars and walks among seven lamps.
In Daniel 12:3 we read that those who lead others to righteousness (our calling as Christians in Matthew 28) are like stars who shine forever. In Exodus 25 we read a description of a seven bowled lamp that was made to give light in the Holy Temple of God. This lamp would be a reminder of the light of God to the world. This light would be embodied by Jesus himself (John 1) and we who are now united with Jesus as believers will serve as the light in darkness (Ephesians 5:8).
We see here that Jesus holds us in his hands (see John 10:28) and the local congregations of believers serve as a lamp in the cities of this world giving light in darkness. Jesus walks among us. He knows us. He protects us. He is with us.
Commendation:
(vs.2-3) The Ephesians are hard working with perseverance; they cannot tolerate wicked people; have tested those who claim to be apostles but are not; and have endured hardships. They know what is right and they do not tolerate teachers who bring another gospel to them.
Complaint:
(v.4) They have lost their first love.
While these church members have all the spiritual zeal you could hope for, they do it out of a position of personal correctness, not out of love. Jesus holds it against them that they have stopped loving him as the motivation for their passion, but have fell in love with the teachings rather than the teacher.
Correction and Consequence:
(v.5) Repent and do what they did at first or God will remove their lamp.
Jesus gives a simple remedy to their problem: repent. Return to their first actions - loving and caring for the Jesus and the lost of their city. He reminds them to take inventory of how far they have fallen! A love that has grown cold can be rekindled, but it take effort.
The church did not repent, and their lamp was eventually removed. Today the shore is nearly 20 miles away from the "port city" of Ephesus. Not only did the financial blessing move, but the spiritual one as well. Today Ephesus is a tourist town for those wishing to visit the past. No church is found there - the map is gone.
Promise:
(v.7) Whoever has ears, let them hear: He who is victorious will have the right to eat from the tree of life which is in paradise with God.
A few things to note here: first, check on the sides of your head. Go ahead, check. Found some ears? Good, then that means this message is for you! Second, if you are like me, the idea of being victorious is often an unattainable goal. I know my own heart and my actions too often do not reflect a victorious Christ filled life. I can find myself seemingly in defeat more than I care to admit.
But, and this is BIG, we do not have to provide the victory! In 1 Corinthians 15:57 we read that victory come through Jesus! He has already won! We are asked to live out that victory and stop living as a defeated sinner. We do not have to win the battle, but we are asked to act like it is already won! If we stay faithful to that truth, then we will be able to eat of the Tree of Life which we find out later is found in the new Jerusalem along with the throne of God.
From this little letter we can see three clear truths for us:
1. God recognizes and values diligence in teaching and faithfulness to his commands.
2. He values our love and fervor for him as being greater than just "being right".
3. If we remain faithful to his victory, then we will enjoy eternal life in the presence of God.
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