The passage I study this morning is in the first part of Revelation and the letter to the church of Ephesus. The church is commended for the perseverance of standing firm and consistent against those that go against the gospel. They are lifted up for their unwavering endurance.
“2I know your works, your toil and your patient endurance, and how you cannot bear with those who are evil, but have tested those who call themselves apostles and are not, and found them to be false. 3I know you are enduring patiently and bearing up for my name’s sake, and you have not grown weary.” – Revelation 2:2-3 (ESV)
This is a great example of speaking to the behaviors of the church and how they are doing well.
Following there is a rebuke as to a behavior that is not in the interest of God.
“4But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the lover you had at first.” – Revelation 2:4 (ESV)
Again an example of the speaking tot he behavior lost by the church, one of love. There is no reference to the people, only the bad behavior of falling away from the act of love. And then there is the coaching to be better.
“5Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first. If not, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent.” – Revelation 2:5 (ESV)
Here you see the directions given to get back to where they were in behavior and stay in the favor of God. Without this, there will not be the ability to heed the directions and get back to the beginning where there was full alignment with God.
What happens when we heed and get back?
“7He has an ear, let him here what the Spirit says to the churches. Tho the one who conquers I will gran to eat of the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.” – Revelation 2:7 (ESV)
And there you have it. I am tasked with hearing from God. I have to take it all in, the commendations and the rebuke. I need to be aware that God loves me regardless, He only wants the best for me. When I hear I have to remember to heed the coaching and get back to where I belong, in the favor of God. When I do, I am rewarded with eternal life with God in heaven.
Are you still doing all of the work of God? For what has He commended and rebuked you? Will you hear, heed, and get back the actions that maintain your favor with God?
Trevor's Thoughts 