In Chapter 2 Verses 1-7 Jesus Speaks to the First of Seven Churches
Revelation 2:1
“To the angel of the church of Ephesus write, ‘These things says He who holds the seven stars in His right hand, who walks in the midst of the seven golden lampstands,” (NKJV*
The Lord Jesus Christ is speaking to John and telling him what to write to the church of Ephesus.
In verse 1 Jesus is emphasizing the description of Himself which we read in chapter 1:
Revelation 1:13 – “and in the midst of the seven lampstands One like the Son of Man, clothed with a garment down to the feet and girded about the chest with a golden band.”
Revelation 1:16 – “He had in His right hand seven stars, out of His mouth went a sharp two-edged sword, and His countenance was like the sun shining in its strength.”
Ever wondered who or what the seven stars and the seven golden lampstands represent? To answer this question we must refer back to Revelation 1:20 which states: “the seven stars are the angels of the seven churches and the seven lampstands which you saw are the seven churches.” (NKJV*)
Revelation 2:2-4
“I know your works, your labor, your patience, and that you cannot bear those who are evil. And you have tested those who say they are apostles and are not, and have found them liars; and you have persevered and have patience, and have labored for My name’s sake and have not become weary. Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love.” (NKJV*)
After complementing the Ephesians for their works, labor, intolerance of evil, and ability to discern false apostles and deal with them accordingly, the Lord confronted them with their tragedy being that they left their first love! William MacDonald comments: “The fire of their affection had died down. They were still mostly sound in doctrine and active in service, but the true motive of all worship and service was missing.” Apparently they were not in the whole counsel of God. Paul had warned them in Acts 20:27-31 and Ephesians 6:13-14a.
Acts 20:31 “For I have not shunned to declare to you the whole counsel of God. Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood. For I know this, that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock. Also from among yourselves men will rise up, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after themselves. Therefore watch, and remember that for three years I did not cease to warn everyone night and day with tears”. (NKJV*)
Ephesians 6:13-14a “Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth,” (NKJV*)
William MacDonald says: “It isn’t surprising that God’s Word tells us the first piece of armor is truth. We must take the responsibility to seriously uphold His truth. But it is also necessary for the truth to hold us—accountable”.
This makes me want to point out that our first love is GOD!
First God, second our family, and third our country!
(NKJV*) Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright © 1979, 1980, 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
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