Revelation Series: 2 & 3
The Book of Revelation is a journey through the unveiling of King Jesus. The theme throughout this journey is the revelation of who Jesus is, what that means for our lives, and what is to come because of who he is. The Book of Revelation is for our good, even though it can be intimidating and wild at times. It reveals the glorified King Jesus in his glory, righteousness, and majesty.
Revelation 2:1-4:
“To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: These are the words of him who holds the seven stars in his right hand and walks among the seven golden lampstands. I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance. I know that you cannot tolerate wicked people, that you have testedthose who claim to be apostles but are not, and have found them false. You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary. Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken the love you had at first.”
John, the disciple who Jesus loved, saw the glorified Jesus and was overwhelmed by his glory and majesty. Jesus told John not to be afraid and revealed himself as the first and the last, the living one who was dead and is now alive forever. Jesus instructed John to write down what he had seen, what is now, and what will take place.
The Seven Stars are the Angels of the seven churches, and the Seven golden lampstands are the seven churches. Jesus addressed each church through a picture of who he is, revealing himself as the solution to what they are soon to be corrected for. For the church in Ephesus, Jesus revealed himself as the one who holds the leaders in his hand and walks among the churches. He is the ultimate authority of the church.
Jesus acknowledged the deeds, hard work, and perseverance of the church in Ephesus. However, he also held against them that they had forsaken the love they had at first. He called them to repent and do the things they did at first. If they did not repent, he would remove their lampstand from its place.
The message to the church in Ephesus is a reminder that how we live reveals our heart towards Jesus. It matters how we live, and Jesus sees our deeds. He calls us to persevere, endure hardship for his name, and not grow weary.