Devotion:
Read Revelation 2:1-7.
The Revelation is an apocalyptic writing, so it uses symbolism and numerology, cosmic events, and graphic images to communicate its key points, much of which deal with the end of time. But before he goes to his prophecy, John begins with proclamation or preaching in the present through letters from Christ to seven churches in Asia Minor. To the church at Ephesus, Christ has praise for their hard work and for remaining faithful in the face of persecution. This church has been discerning, not allowing some of the heretical teachings of the time to take root. But Christ also has a strong reprimand for the church -- it has lost some of the love it had at first, and it is not doing the great work it had once done. In Acts, we learn of the first church, which seemed to be perfect. Here, and in the letters to most of the other churches, we see Christians not living up to all of Christ’s expectations.
Our tendency is to read as spectators and think, “Shame on you Ephesians!” Instead, we should read these letters as if written to all churches, including ours. We must continuously think about and give thanks for what we are doing well, but we must also look closely at ourselves and ask where we are falling short. We are not called to be a perfect church; but we are called to fully follow Christ, knowing that to those to whom much is given, much is expected!
Personal Worship Option:
Give thanks today for our church and its work. Reflect on what we are doing well and what we might do if we loved Christ and our neighbors more completely. Be open to the Spirit’s leading you to step up. Praise God, who inspired all Scripture, for stories that help us see the full story, some parts of which are not so good.
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