WHEN ORTHODOXY IS NOT ENOUGH "These things says He who holds the seven stars in His right hand, who walks in the midst of the seven golden lampstands . . . " -- Tomorrow:
"Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write; These things saith he that holdeth the "Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write; These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in His right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks; I know thy works, and thy labor, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars: And hast borne, and hast patience, and for My name's sake hast labored, and hast not fainted. Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent. But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitanes, which I also hate. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God" (Rev 2:1-7).
Devotion 2 of 21
In the Revelation Jesus introduces Himself differently to each church. A careful analysis of each presentation will find the Son of God presenting Himself in a manner particularly relevant to the church being addressed. This is because there is a direct correlation between the state of the churches and their apprehension of the Person, nature, and work of Christ. A bad state reflects a failure to lay hold of Christ. A good state confirms that a proper association with Christ is being experienced. Let it be clear that the profession of a church is valid only if it is matched by the proper perception and apprehension of Christ. If this harmony is not found, the profession if worthless.
The assessment of the Ephesian church reveals they had forgotten the real identity of the Savior. Their association with Him was seriously lacking. Their approach to religion had actually driven a wedge between them and the Lord Jesus Christ, so that their chief impediment was found in their religion itself. Thus, Jesus begins by drawing attention to Himself in relation to the churches.
He holds the messengers in His hand, and they are His representatives. Were it not for Him, they would have nothing to do, and their position could not be justified. He is both the Author and Substance of their message. When the believers in Ephesus think of their messenger, they are to think of him as in the hands of the Lord. He is not, strictly speaking, their servant, but Christ's messenger. His fundamental work is bringing the message of Jesus to the people. He is charged with making Christ's Person and purpose dominant in the people's thinking. Where such a messenger is not found, a person is speaking whom Jesus has not sent.
Too, Jesus walks in the midst of the seven golden lampstands – the churches. He is in their presence, whether they realize it or not. He is not merely standing in their midst, but walks in the midst of them. He is acutely aware of them, and they do well to be equally aware of Him! The Ephesians are not to think of themselves as part of a group of believers in Asia, but as occupying a conspicuous position in the presence of their Lord. The awareness of His presence produces a sobriety that is essential to Divine approval. The world recedes into the background when Jesus occupies the foreground. A proper sense of values is attained in the light of His glory. O, that this posture were more prominent in the churches!
I KNOW . . .
Notice, Jesus does not ask the Ephesians what THEY know, but alerts them to what He knows. While earthly knowledge "puffs up" (1 Cor 8:1), the apprehension of what Jesus knows exercises a sanctifying effect upon the soul. The Lord will now give an assessment of the Ephesian church. It will be thorough, and will entertain no respect of persons. Here is a fulfillment of that word from God, "The eyes of the LORD are in every place, Keeping watch on the evil and the good" (Prov 15:3). Again, it is written, "For My eyes are on all their ways; they are not hidden from My face, nor is their iniquity hidden from My eyes" (Jer 16:17). And again, "Can anyone hide himself in secret places, So I shall not see him? says the LORD; Do I not fill heaven and earth? says the LORD" (Jer 23:24). It is said of everything that is done among men, "Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of Him with whom we have to do" (Heb 4:13). The people of God are to be reminded of this regularly, for world tends to throw dust upon the minds of men, so that this truth is not clearly seen.
This is an aspect of the Divine nature with which the church must familiarize itself. Redemption has not changed the nature of God! It is a provision for the change of man's nature, in order to Divine acceptance. When men are put into Christ (1 Cor 1:30), God does not turn His head from them. Their works to not suddenly become unimportant, so that their Savior no longer considers them. The churches of our time do well to ponder these things.
PRAYER POINT: Father, in the name of Jesus, I thank You for enabling Your children to walk in the light that makes all things appear as they really are – including Yourself.