Revelation 2

Revelation 2 Devotions
By Pastor Mark Hudson

You have probably noticed a pattern in chapters 2-3.  In fact, you will find literary patterns in the entire Bible if you are a careful reader.  These are clues to aid your understanding.  Here is the pattern you may have noticed.   (More Than Conquerors by William Hendriksen)

  • Salutation or address g. To the angel of the church in . . . .
  • Christ’s self-designation g. he that holds the seven stars . . . .
  • Christ’s commendation g. I know your works, and your toil, and your patience . . . .
  • Christ’s condemnation g. But I have this against you . . . .
  • Christ’s warning and threat e.g. Remember therefore . . . or else . . . .
  • Christ’s exhortation g. He that has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says . . . .
  • Christ’s promise g. to him that overcomes . . . I will give to eat of the tree of life.

You won’t find this pattern perfectly followed in every case.  But we should notice that Christ’s judgment is just.  His observations are perfect, able to discern motives as well as take into account difficulties believers face.  He sees all, understands everything, and unlike any judge is perfect and just and will never be overruled.  His judgments will never be overturned by a higher authority.

We will focus on what Christ says to the church at Ephesus, this well known church.  This church had so many great attributes.  But think of this as word to our church and to you personally.  In verse 2, Christ knows.  When Christ confronts us, he knows all about us.  He knows their toil.  You may work hard and the church may work hard.  We are not lazy.  We engage in so many activities.  Christ notices and commends that work.    Then Christ observes their patient endurance.  It may be you face difficulties that you endure.  Christ sees your patience and that it is hard for you to endure.

They are also praised for intolerance.  Christ recognizes that they or we (?) cannot bear with those who are evil.  This means we have discernment and judgment to see what is good and what is wrong.  It may be the teaching in Ephesus was sound.  The pastors warned the believers on what to read, who to follow, and their orthodoxy was sound.  Those are highlighted, recognized, and affirmed.  It is important to have good theology.

Now, what if the Lord, after affirming and listing your strengths, so you know He knew everything about you and could detail your contributions, said this to you, “But I have this against you?”  What if you knew God had something against you?  That God, Himself, was against you!  It is one thing for a friend to say I have something against you, your boss, your parent, the Governor, the Judge, but God Himself says I have this against you?

What is this?  “That you have abandoned the love had at first.”  The verb John uses can mean leave, divorce, neglect, set aside, etc.

What a damning indictment.  But before we look at that church in ancient Ephesus, look at yourself.  Do you love Jesus Christ?  Do you love Him?  Not do you work hard for him.  Not do you endure hard things for him. But do you love Christ?  Isn’t this what our Lords asks Peter 3 times in John 21:15ff?  Does He not tie love to Christ with ministry to Christ’s people?  If you love, feed my sheep.

Take a while to examine your heart.  Can you say you love Jesus Christ?  He is not asking if you did once.  He is not asking if are you a hard worker nor is he asking if you decided to follow Christ.  Rather, is your heart warm, tender, obedient to Christ?  Do YOU love Christ?

The first thing to do, if you find your heart lacking in love is to repent v. 5.  We are warned, “I will . . . remove your lampstand . . . unless you repent.”  This is why we confess our sins every Sunday we gather together.  We need to repent. At least I do.  Everyone who knows me knows that.

This pattern shown above includes v 7, “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says. . . .”  You very well can read this and understand it.  But you do not understand it unless you repent and ask God to make you love Him more.

If I loved Christ more, I would be more loving to you.  I would grow in holiness so it was evident to others.  I would learn to curb my sinful passions, jealousies, envy, laziness, self-centeredness, and a host of other sins I struggle against.

And I want to love Him more.  I hope you do also.  If not, repent.  And if you do want to love Him more, He will draw near to the broken-hearted, the contrite, and the humble.  Oh, what joy we have just loving Christ.  Let’s ask the Lord to help us love Him as first priority in our lives.  No matter what age, what your calling is right now, ask God to change your heart so you will experience the joy of loving God.