v.1-7
1. A command to the angel of the church in Ephesus by the One who has a firm grasp on him (the 7 stars in His right hand), the One who is very close to his church (walks among the 7 lampstands). But it is also a command to every church from the Spirit.
A unique message but has universal application. Churches share some common problem and we all need to hear from our head and our Counselor.
2. One of the commands is to do the deeds you did at the first.
The charge against the church is they have departed from their first love.
In v.6 the church had track record that showed they were very likely to follow the command to do the deed they did at the first because they hate what Jesus hate.
What is the first deed? The deeds to show what Jesus loved and hated.
What is the first love which corresponded with their first deed? Love what Jesus loves.
Reflection: If we failed to love what Jesus loves then it is serious enough that Jesus might remove us from the place closet to Him. And it is serious enough that we need to repent. More serious than all our work, labor, steadfastness, testing others, intolerant of evil, and etc.
Remember that the Ephesians is ok with hating what J hates, but they failed to love what J loves. Hating probably is easier to do than loving because it involves sacrifice. Am I willing to sacrifice? Not only in working more (like what the Ephesus had already done), but with the right motive.
How can I keep my love to what Jesus loves? At least, I need to know what Jesus loves. Does J love those who have their minds close to the Gospel? Pray that I will love what Jesus loves today. The reward is given to us in a picture: to eat from the tree of life that is in the paradise of God v.7
v.8-11
1. A command to those who are under a battle. It is a battle with the Jews or Satan behind them or more specific with suffering, poverty, imprisonment, and death. It is also a test.
Be tested=BDAG to entice to improper behavior, tempt
What is the improper behavior that Satan desires to happen?
2 commands in v.10: Do not be afraid and Remain faithful even to the point of death. In other words, Satan wanted Christians under trial will be afraid and then give up their faith to God.
2. Jesus and the Holy Spirit command to encourage the church by telling them that
v.11b The one who conquers will in no way be harmed by the second death.’
Yes, Christians will suffer and even be killed. But what is more important? The first death or the second death.. Jesus and the Holy Spirit encourage us with the assurance of the second death, not the first death. Therefore, the death death should also be our focus and how we should weigh decisions in our life.
Reflection: In what way do I put too much emphasis on the first death, the suffering before the death, or the suffering in general?
Jesus sees the believers in poverty as rich v.9. Do I see that in my life? If I lack anything now or relative "poor" in some people eyes, does it hurt my feelings?
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