Early in 1989 I found myself in the difficult dilemma of trying to know the Lord’s will concerning future ministry. After only four years of ministry in Somerton Road I was called to Knock and not sure what to do. In discussing the matter with Rev Charles Garland he made a comment to me which has lingered in my memory ever since: ‘Gareth, you’ve got to remember that Somerton Road is not your church it’s Christ’s church’. This is exactly the point that is being made in the letters to the seven churches that are recorded for us in Revelation chapters two and three. Jesus is in the midst of His church. ‘He holds the seven stars in his right hand, and walks in the midst of the seven golden lampstands’ (Revelation 2:1). He addresses these letters to the angels of the churches who are probably the pastors or the ministers of the different congregations. They are men who are accountable to Jesus who sees and knows all that is going on in the life of the congregation.

So as we begin a short series in the Seven Churches it is good for us to remember that Jesus is not only the Head to whom we are accountable but the One who is in the very centre of our church life observing all that we are doing and, more soberly, knowing our motives as we serve Him in His church.

The City⤒🔗

Ephesus was the largest and most influential city in the province of Asia. It was a thriving centre of commerce and trade with a busy seaport. It was the administrative centre for the Roman government of the province of Asia. As such it was a place of some political influence but also a place of great idolatry. The temple of Diana of which we read in Acts 17 was located there and was regarded as one of the wonders of the world. Whilst materially prosperous the city of Ephesus was spiritually poor.

The Church←⤒🔗

If you had been holidaying in Ephesus and paid a visit to the church you would have been encouraged. Outwardly everything seemed good. There was a busy programme and, unless they had a printed bulletin, the announcements would have gone on forever. There was plenty of activity (Rev 2:2a and 3). If after the service you had spoken with one of the elders you would have come away impressed by their orthodoxy and their commitment to the truth of God. They had no time for the Nicolaitans (Rev 2:6), some kind of false cult that had arisen and was proving influential. Indeed at Ephesus they not only were alert to obvious departures from the truth but they were also most discerning ensuring that only those who were ‘sound’ entered the pulpit. (Rev. 2:2b). In short Ephesus was thoroughly Reformed. The pastor would have been a regular at the Banner Conference. Christianity Explored rather than Alpha would definitely have been the preferred programme for evangelism and an organ rather than a Praise Band would have led the worship.

The Problem←⤒🔗

However, on your brief holiday visit you would only have obtained a passing insight into the true life of the church. Jesus, the great King and Head of the Church, knows everything that is going on in our churches. When He looked at Ephesus He saw much that was good and encouraging but, unlike us, He knew the hearts of His people there. He could see that they were on automatic pilot. They were simply going through the motions, engaging in church activity because they had always been involved and it was just the thing to do. Their hearts weren’t right. They were truly believers but they had ‘left their first love’ (Rev 2:4). What exactly did Jesus mean by that statement? I think that what the Saviour is suggesting is that when they were first converted there was an excitement with Him and with God’s people that had since evaporated. They used to be really excited by their devotional times with the Lord, enthused about being alone with God and simply bursting to get down to church to engage in worship and hear the sermons. Now it was a case of: ‘well we’ve always come her and done this, it’s what’s expected of us and what we were taught to do’. A flat, unenthusiastic, lifeless involvement had kicked in. Love for Jesus and love for His people was not there. They were doctrinally sound but cold of heart. They had become God’s frozen chosen.

The Remedy←⤒🔗

All was not lost however. The situation was not beyond repair. Jesus encourages them to ‘remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works’. (Rev 2:5) Face up to where you’re at and seek me with a new determination and desire – that’s essentially what the Saviour is suggesting to them. We should note that Jesus does not only face them with their lovelessness but encourages them by reminding them of the Paradise of God (Rev 2:7) that lies ahead for those who listen to and obey His word.

So what’s all this saying to us today in our different congregations in 2012? Well we are here reminded of the importance of holding on to the truth and remaining committed to the authority of scripture at a time of much confusion and ‘dumbing down’ in the church at large. We are also reminded that the Saviour wants us to be a discerning people who are careful to guard our pulpits and not to be overly impressed by eloquence and image. However, we are also challenged to examine our love for Christ and His people. Let’s do this by asking two questions:

Am I involved in the work of the Church out of a bare sense of duty, or because it’s what I’ve always done, or because I want to serve Jesus who loved me and gave Himself for me?

Do I have a real heartfelt burden for the brothers and sisters in my congregation, knowing them by name and praying for them every week?

There are parallels here with marriage. I always encourage engaged couples undertaking the marriage preparation course not to forget to ‘date’ when they are married. That is to take time out together, quality time, to be alone and to share and to enjoy one another’s company. So, as Christians, we should be regularly taking time out to be alone with Jesus, to enjoy His company and to commune with Him. Let’s watch it that we don’t ‘leave our first love’.

PS The church in Ephesus failed to listen to Jesus and ceased to exist.