Scripture Focus: ¹⁰ 4 Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken the love you had at first. (Revelation 2:4; read vv. 1-7)

Introduction

John begins his Apocalypse, the book of Revelation, with Christ’s words of commendation and critique to the Seven Churches of Asia. Clearly, these weren’t the only communities in existence but, in keeping with the use of numbers in the Apocalypse, the number “Seven” likely stood for all churches (the number 7 appears to represent perfection, completeness, or fullness).

Four of the churches received both commendation and critique; two received only commendation; and one received only critique. The balance of the book of revelation had a message to the churches of the first century, reminding them that, despite the apparent supremacy of the Roman Empire, it would not last. On the contrary, God revealed through Jesus Christ will bring his justice and truth to the earth. The overarching message of the book?: do not accommodate the Roman system of Emperor worship, and do not be seduced by its fleeting power and riches.

The book invites Christian communities of all ages to consider where they are in relation to God and the particular culture they inhabit. From time to time it’s important for churches to consider, not only who they are, but where they are. How are we doing with our kingdom call? What should be celebrated among us? What needs to change? As we have experienced a major upheaval due to COVID-19, we should ask ourselves some pointed questions. How did we handle the disruption? What did it expose in our collective and individual hearts? How well did we bear witness to the Gospel, and what have we learned? What would Jesus commend us for? What would be his critique?

Some Background

The church at Ephesus was the recipient of one of Paul’s epistles written while he was in chains. Overall, the book was an encouragement for this community to continue in its life. Unlike other epistles, there aren’t any particular correctives. A few decades later, however, John’s Apocalypse described the glorified Christ issuing both a commendation and a strong corrective to it. Apparently, the Ephesian church took Paul’s call to continue in truth to heart. It exposed those who claimed to be apostles and persevered in holding aloft the truth concerning Jesus.

However, they had lost something imperative along the way—they had abandoned the love they had at first. Paul taught them to “speak the truth in love” (Ephesians 4:15). Truth. Love. Both are essential. It’s not easy to hold both of these in delicate tension. Apparently, Ephesus had so focused on truth, they had neglected love.

Questions

What did you hear in this morning’s message that stood out to you? What was interesting, important, or confusing?

As you read the commendations and critiques of the seven First-Century, Asian churches, what sticks out to you?

Why do all institutions tend to drift from their original vision?

What is the faithful way honestly to evaluate where we are as a church, without dismissing the whole concept of church?

Reflections

Reading Jesus’ words of commendation and critique to the seven churches of Asia is a humble reminder that communities are prone to drift from their original vision and purpose. Frankly, that’s natural. It’s natural because human beings are flawed and susceptible to many forces. Christ’s words to these churches, though pointed, should be viewed as an invitation to live more fully again in the life of God. These words to the Asian churches should give us all pause to reflect on where we are as a community of believers. Where have we strayed from our call to bear witness to the Gospel? Of what do we need to repent? How have we been compromised by worldly systems?