Sermon of T. J. de Ruiter
"Unto the angel of Ephesus
write..." Revelation 2:1-6
INTRODUCTION
The Revelation of John - probably written between AD 90 and AD 95 - is a very difficult book of the Bible to understand. The language is most symbolical and you need a good knowledge of Jewish literature of the same sort, like Daniël and of the principles for the interpretation of it, to understand these messages.
JESUS CHRIST JUDGES THE SEVEN CHURCHES OF ASIA
The book of Revelation starts with a vision of Jesus Christ. He appears to John in a physical form with symbolical presentations. The special symbolical parts have a profound meaning in relation to the message that follows.
John sees the Lord standing in the midst of the seven candlesticks. Every Jew associated them immediately with the temple, for these lights were burning day and night in the Holy Place. John understood that the seven lights represented the seven churches in Asia, he knew so well. Jesus had seven stars in his hand, they represented the seven angels or messengers of the churches. The best interpretors agree that we most not think of these angels as spiritual creatures, a christian does not write to spirits. It is clear: The messages to these churches are addressed to the messengers or pastors of those churches.
EPHESUS
Let me, before I start with the contents and meaning of the message to this church, tell something about the city of Ephesus of that time in order to understand the message better. Ephesus was a city with about 300.000 inhabitants and it was the third important town in the Roman Empire. A comparison: Rome had in that time about one million inhabitants. Ephesus was - as many towns then – full of temples with idols, among which the one for Artemis – look at the Acts 19 – was the most important one. Artemis was a 'great goddess, whose temple was one of the seven wonders of the world. When the preaching of Paul resulted in a decrease of business of articles, made in her honour, there came a big revolt; look at the Acts 19:21-40. Ephesus was at that time situated on the shore and had a harbour. It was the end of the so-called 'silk-road' from China. The Roman government of Asia Minor resided there and there was a florishing financial bank. In such a metropolis Paul had founded a church and in spite of resistance it had grown rapidly. From Ephesus Paul could reach the whole surrounding region with the Gospel, read 1 Corinthians 16:8-9: "But I will tarry at Ephesus until Pentecost. For a great and effective door is opened unto me, and there are many adversaries." And listen also to what is written in Acts 19:10,11,12: "And this continued by the space of two years; so that all they which dwelt in Asia heard the of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks. And God wrought special miracles by the hands of Paul; so that from his body were brought unto the sick handkerchiefs or aprons, and the diseases departed from them, and the evil spirits flied out of them." Please notice Paul had a mighty time as preacher and teacher in Ephesus. All people heard the gospel and that without television, radio, tape- and video ministriesr. Believe me, he had worked very hard!
THE EVALUATION
The church has been praised for its work, her perseverance in propagating the testimony of Jesus and her continued intolerance of wicked people. She had even tried some preachers, who called themselves apostles, but it became evident that they were not - they were exposed as false apostles. She had also hated the works of the Nicolaitans. Yes, the church had continued steadfast in doctrine and the pure testimonity, and had not become tired. Till so far the judgement sounds positive. I hear someone whispering in Ephesus. "So, we are not too bad, happily…."
It is interesting just to pauze for a moment and ask ourselves: Who were the Nicolaitans mentioned in this epistle? Trusting the testimony of two churchfathers of the church of the second and third century we know that they were followers of a certain Nicholas. He taught that Christians living in an heathen, idolatrous culture could not always avoid taking part in idolatrous rituals and sexual parties. And if they had to sin according to Christian conscience, God would understand and forgive.... There was great sexual licentiousness, especially in the name of religion and there was temple-prostitution, priestesses amused men in a shameless way. Often businessparties ended in nightly orgies. In such a culture lived these Christians and had to educate their children in christian moral - it must have been difficult. Maybe, Paul in writing to the Ephesians, warns them for these sins. Ephesians 5:11,12, “And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret.”
ABOUT THE FIRST LOVE
As said, the Lord started with his appreciation for the good qualities of this church. But quickly there follows a word of disapproval: "Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do (again) the first works."
I hear the christians of Ephesus ask themselves:"We have left our first love? What does He mean by that? Naturally Lord meant the love for him, but also the love for brothers and sisters. For love for God is linked up with the love for fellow-believers and eventually with the love for all men; look at 1 John 3:17; 1 John 5:1: "Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him.” And somewhere else in the same epistle John wrote: “If we say we love God, but hate our brother and sister, how can we say that the love of God is in us...?” Yes, if we love Christ with that first love, it surely will be seen in our actions toward the church and our fellow men. Look also at 2 Peter 1:7.
Our subject is ‘first love’. How could we qualify 'the first love'? I mention: Closeness, intimacy; self-sacrifice and creative activity.
Closeness, intimacy
Look to that couple of lovers in their firsst love. They long for intimacy and for close fellowship - the closer, the better. Their minds concentrate on one another, they have hardly time for somebody else.... That’s how Christian are in their first love for Jesus. Jesus is everything to them. They testify about Him. They love Him. They devote everything to Him. But, when the first love is gone, things return to ‘normal.’ But, what maybe normal for us, is not necessarily normal for Him, whose standard was to love us with all He had and Who longs for us more than we can comprehend.
"Yes", said the Spirit of the Lord, "Christians of Ephesus, in the beginning of our relation with Christ, there was such a longing for intimacy and fellowship with Me. You had ample time for prayer, worship and spiritual closeness. But now it is of less importance to you. Where is your first love? Think about your present spiritual state and relationship with me and repent." Do I hear someone in Ephesus say: "Oh, Lord, it is really difficult to return to that blessed state of the first love… Actually, how do I return to it, Lord?"
Do I hear someone, who hears me now, or reads this sermon, say: "Oh, Lord, it is really difficult to return to that blessed state of the first love… Actually, how do I return to it, Lord?"
Self-sacrifice
Oh, how easily make those, who are in first love the greatest sacrifices for each other! They sacrifice the warm room at home for to walk in the frosty cold 'just a moment.' But that ‘just for a moment' becomes two- or three hours! They sacrifice their last money to do the other a favour. Sometimes they sacrifice a study, or a career to love- and live with the other one. Sometimes even life itself is sacrificed to save the loved one. As that boy in the now famous film of the sinking Titanic. He put his girl, that loved him so much, on the wreckage, that floated on the cold, icy waters of the Atlantic and he drowned, saving her. Why did he do that? Because He loved her dearly. She survived and could tell the whole story...
"Yes", said the Spirit of the Lord, "Christians of Ephesus, in the beginning of our relation with Christ, there was such a longing for intimacy and fellowship with Me. You had ample time for prayer, worship and spiritual closeness. You gave me all your energy, time and substance. But now I seem to be of less importance to you. Where is your first love? Think about your present spiritual state and relationship with me and repent." Do I hear someone in Ephesus say: "Oh, Lord, it is really difficult to return to that blessed state of the first love… Actually, how do I return to it, Lord?"
Do I hear someone, who hears me now, or reads this sermon, say: "Oh, Lord, it is really difficult to return to that blessed state of the first love… Actually, how do I return to it, Lord?"
Creative activity
This is truly remarkable: A couple of lovers becomes very active, together they undertake many interesting things. Daughter was perhaps always at home, but now - in love - she has many 'outings' with him. Together the loved ones maker plans for this and that, sometimes really fascinating ones. Sometimes they start projects that realised in every detail. It is true: two persons can do more than one alone. Sometimes the loved ones, clearly in ‘first love’ stands hand-in-hand before the pastor: "What can we do for you, pastor, or for the church?" Alone they would never have done it, now together they want to do it, this is beautiful! Love changes people! What is more beautiful than to be in your first love?
Undoubtedly the church at Ephesus had assisted Paul in preaching the Gospel in the whole region. It says in Acts that all people in Asia heard the Gospel. The Church had fought a brave fight against the rulers of darkness in 'heavenly places' - read Ephesians 6. But later on, after Paul was gone, this activity had considerably decreased. They had no longer time for prayer-meetings and the battle against the powers made place for the prayer: "Lord, bless me, things are so difficult…" Christians in their first love however don't think predominantly of their own needs, they think of the needs of others. They want to do, what the Spirit of Christ urges them to do.
"Yes", said the Spirit of the Lord, "Christians of Ephesus, in the beginning of our relation with Christ, there was such a longing for intimacy and fellowship with Me. You worked with love, it was all your pleasure to serve me. But now, where is your dedication and zeal? Yes, where is your first love? Think about your present spiritual state and relationship with me and repent." Do I hear someone in Ephesus say: "Oh, Lord, it is really difficult to return to that blessed state of the first love… Actually, how do I return to it, Lord?"
Do I hear someone, who hears me now, or reads this sermon, say: "Oh, Lord, it is really difficult to return to that blessed state of the first love… Actually, how do I return to it, Lord?"
RETURN TO THE FIRST LOVE
The secret of coming back into the state of first love is amazingly simple. Psychology has discovered the secret also. Here it is: Just start doing the things you did in the beginning when you were in the first love. Being practical: Buy again every week that flower bouquet. Go out with her, do things together and make it your business to please your partner just like you did it in the early days of love! Wife, please your husband, as you did when you were in that first love - yes, cook his favourite meal. Give him your kisses and show him your admiration.
I tell you; When this advice, this counsel is followed you often see soon marvellous results. Look at them when they come for the next visit, they look radiant! "Is it working?” “Yes, it works! Oh, we love each other so much, just as in the beginning, it is wonderful!" He looks at her, she looks at him – the counsellor can be satisfied, he need nothing more to know…!
I hear some people thinking:"It can't be that simple..." Well, just read what is written here: "Repent, and do (again) the first works. Did you hear? Repent, that is a change of mind, a change of thinking, and.. do again your first works. Just do what you did in those early days. Do the works that belong to the first love.
IN CLOSING, AN INVITATION
Christian, did you lose your first love for Jesus and his church? Repent, make the decision to return to Jesus and start doing the things that pertain to the state of first love. Just begin to do them.
May I invite you to pray this prayer:
"Lord, I come back to you, I repent of my lukewarmness. I will love You again with my whole heart. I will do the first works of the first love again. I thank you for filling me with Your Holy Spirit. I will obey Him and do, whatever He wants me to do."
Yes, start again with loving Jesus with that exciting first love and start doing those first works again! Yes, get excited, holy excited about Jesus. Activate your whole being by the enormous power of the Holy Spirit.
I appeal to you and all christians, in the Netherlands, Europe and the whole world to return to the first love for Jesus. He gave all for us, let's give all to Him. Let’s go for.... HIM! Amen.
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Questions? E-mail.... Pastor T. J. de Ruiter