Enduring Until the End

Wandering in the Wilderness: Enduring Until the End

Sunday, August 16, 2020

Revelation 3:7-13 

Introduction

          The people of God often gave up their faith in God as they wandered in the wilderness. Sadly, the unfaithful pressured others to adopt their faithless self-determination. Sometimes, they even pressured their leaders to conform. The most glaring example of this situation is the familiar story of the Israelites who melted their jewelry and formed a golden calf while Moses’ met with God on the mountain.

            Exodus 32 describes how the people of God became restless when it appeared that Moses might never come down from the mountain. It appears they had more faith in Moses than in the God for whom he testified. Perhaps that’s why they wanted an idol. The unbelieving, “Egyptian” Israelites applied so much pressure that Moses chief spokesman and brother, Aaron acquiesced and led them in creating an idol and an altar. The most tragic thing about Aaron’s actions is that he tried to justify them by incorporating pagan practices with the worship of Yahweh. He said, “These are your gods, O Israel, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt!” (Exodus 32:4b) Aaron’s blatant compromise under pressure led to the destruction of thousands. When questioned by Moses, Aaron made excuses.

            In the letter to the Christian in Philadelphia, there is a powerful message from Christ about enduring social and political pressure from peers. Even now God’s people who wander through this present wilderness are often pressured to conform. Nevertheless, Christ promises rewards for those who patiently endure and punishment for those who compromise.

 

Hold Fast

            Jesus told the Philadelphian Christians to “hold fast.” Hold fast is a nautical term that means to tighten the rigging and to grip it tightly while pressing on through the storm. During heavy seas, a ship’s crew stretched lifelines from stem to stern to prevent sailors from being washed overboard. The understanding among mariners was that, while on deck, one always dedicates a hand for the ship and a hand for yourself.

            Jesus commended them for their patient endurance. What were they enduring patiently? What storm were they passing through? Logically, if they will be kept from the hour of trial that is coming on the whole world, then the trial they are enduring is about something else. Jesus said he would open a door for them that “they” cannot close. Were the Christians in Philadelphia being ostracized? – By other Christians or Jews? What doors were being closed?

            The truly devoted Christian will often suffer more persecution from within religious bodies because they cannot help but upset the status quo. Religious bodies rapidly deteriorate into social organizations when their leaders fail to uphold the core values upon which they are founded. Consequently, these organizations eventually adopt societal norms and secular applications of their creeds. This will lead to political correctness, diluted precepts, and general corruption. This seems to be the case with the Church at Philadelphia.

 

Conclusion

            When Christians gather in an established institution like this one, there will be among them those whose interpretation of the religion is extremely secular. They are often recognized by their dedication to matters of comfort and taste. They often resist authority and pledge to do things the way they always have. They will be heard saying, “We tried that before and it doesn’t work.” When the church doesn’t seem to feed their flesh anymore, they become agitated and combative. Many churches, clubs, and other organizations have been held hostage by an old friend who causes suffering when things don’t go his/her way.

            This is a form of persecution for those who would uplift Christ as King. Ironically, when they confront the hostage-taker with truth-in-love they are frequently accused of “not being Christian.” This is the modern equivalent to making a golden calf and calling it the God who saved us. It seems that the Christians in Philadelphia suffered that sort of storm. The same trials confront Christians yesterday, today, and tomorrow. Therefore, we must hold fast even now.   

           

Created for a Relationship

“He saved others,” they said, “but he can’t save himself! He’s the king of Israel! Let him come down now from the cross, and we will believe in him. ~ Matthew 27:42 

"The opinion of the majority is not the final proof of what is right.” ~ Schiller 

     I have been blessed and spiritually enriched by the ministry of the author, Frank Viola. He is my source for the two quotes above. This is what he said about the Scripture passage: These words – “He saved others but he can’t save himself” – were uttered by those who didn’t recognize who Jesus of Nazareth was. As He hung on a bloody cross, these words were spoken by the leaders of Israel in a mocking tone. But they contain a truth that the people who spoke them didn’t realize. Jesus didn’t exist to save or please Himself. He existed to serve and save others. (https://www.thedeeperchristianlife.com/saved/) 

     Jesus is literally living proof of the quote from Shiller. The majority thought he was a dying fraud whose bag of tricks held nothing for himself. Yet, he arose from death and lives today, and still, the majority don’t believe it - even a majority of so-called “Christians.” This may seem like a harsh assessment, but when we honestly weigh the words and deeds of churchgoing Christians against their relationship with the living Lord Jesus Christ, there is little evidence to indicate they believe He is with them, in them, and through them, affecting the world. 

     What would you post on social media if Jesus was sitting next to you, looking over your shoulder? What would you say about those with whom you disagree? What if Jesus were sitting next to you while you talked on the phone? Or while you watched television and talked back to the commentators? How would your thoughts change if you felt sure Jesus could read your mind? How would your attitude about your sin be transformed if you had a living relationship with the Lord - like the relationship of a husband and wife? 

     God’s plan for creation culminates in the marriage of His Son to the Church. The Church is the Body of Christ in that it comes from Him like Eve came from Adam. As Christians, we are His betrothed, which, in Scripture is a relationship as binding. Therefore, think about your relationship with Christ as if it were a marriage. Then, consider the marriage relationships you are most familiar with. Do some couples manage to coexist for decades “for the sake of the kids”? Are some couples passionately in love, even after many years? These are only two examples of extremes, but they will cause reflection upon the nature of our most precious human relationships. It will be worthwhile to frequently meditate upon this topic in the coming days because, as painful as it is to acknowledge, it says much about our relationship with Christ. 

      When I was in high school there was a contemporary Christian song with a chorus that said, “When it’s all been said; when it’s all been done - God will ask, did you know my Jesus? Did you know my Son?” I can hear the music in my mind, but could not quickly locate the source - it has been over 40 years!. Beloved, the song is old and so am I, but the question should be as fresh and convicting as ever. Do you KNOW him? 

     It makes little difference in the eyes of the world, the eyes we see in the mirror, and in the eyes of God if we have assented to a statement of belief in Christ’s atoning death and the promise of life beyond the grave. Everything Jesus said and did was designed to make a relationship possible. We were created for this!

Resisting Evil

Wandering in the Wilderness: Resisting Evil

Sunday, August 2, 2020

Revelation 2:18-28

Introduction

           In Christ’s letter to Pergamum Christians, he mentions the teaching of Balaam. Balaam was an Old Testament character who was commissioned to bring about the defeat of God’s people in the wilderness on behalf of the Moabites. After his first attempt was unsuccessful, Balaam advised the Moabites to send in their young women to infiltrate the Israelite camps. Eventually, some of God’s people in the wilderness took up the pagan religions of the Moabites and blended them with their own just as they had done by creating families with them. This subtle form of corruption came from deep within the ranks of the people and eventually caused problems for the whole body. It was the same for the Christians in Pergamum. It is the same for contemporary Christians today.

            A similar problem existed in the church at Thyatira. Another Old Testament character was cited by Christ as he directed the people to open their eyes to the threat of evil in their midst. This time the threat is not a slow awakening of “sleeper cells” but comes from a prominent leader whose false teachings are leading the people into corruption. Similarly, the people wandering with Moses long ago were corrupted by a charismatic leader. He was a Levite named Korah.

           

Silver-tongued Devils

He led a rebellion of 250 chosen men against the leadership of Moses and Aaron. (Numbers 16:1,12, 24, 25, 27) After being confronted by them, Moses prayed and told them the next morning, “You have gone too far” (16:7). Korah assembled all the congregation against Moses and Aaron, but the glory of the Lord appeared to them all, and Moses and Aaron prayed God would not be angry with all for one. So, fire from the Lord consumed the usurpers. Some of Korah’s supporters, namely Dathan and Abiram and their families were swallowed by the earth into Sheol, with Korah and his men.

Thyatira’s Christians were threatened by a silver-tongued devil whom our Lord likened to Jezebel. The unnamed prophetess and Jezebel were gifted with persuasiveness and fond of attention. Yet, their message was not from God, and their subtle efforts to undermine the body and its leaders were diabolical. Their motives were self-serving, and they considered the people of God as easy marks. They were grifters whose motives and methods were being manipulated by the Enemy.

 

Conclusion

            The people of God are always in danger of being tempted to sin. However, the Christians of Thyatira have a distinct advantage over the people of ancient Israel. The One “who has eyes like a flame of fire” and “who searches mind and heart” has sent an advocate who opens blind minds and warns careless disciples. The Spirit, who is the essence of the Body of Christ, will combat corruption and eject evil. But we must be courageous and strong in upholding the Lord. We must look discerningly for signs of His authority over the Church and its leaders.

            In the Christian family, there are elders and youngsters. They are identifiable by gifts of the Spirit, expressions of the Word, and Christlike deeds. This means the mature Christian will be humble and Christoriented. (1 Corinthians 8:1) He/she will speak the truth in love. (John 1:16-18) There will be obvious signs of Spirit-led leadership. (Galatians 5:22) Signs will include but are not limited to authentic expressions of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness.

During these trying times of wilderness wandering, it is more important than ever to follow God’s appointed leaders. While they are often flawed like Moses, David, Peter, and Paul these leaders will be known by the signs. If someone emerges due to charisma and ebulliently espouses answers to all of our problems, beware. Remember, comfort kills! (Matthew 10:34-36)          

Grace - Don't Wait!

But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— ~ Ephesians 2:4-5 (ESV)

         This stunning statement by the Apostle Paul should stagger us each time we read or hear it. Note the emphasis placed upon the statement, “by grace you have been saved.” You were dead because of your trespasses and now you are alive in Christ, and it is only because of the grace of God.

         I lived near the Terre Haute (Indiana) Federal Penitentiary for several years. The local new media would report from outside the walls whenever a convicted prisoner was moved to death row and execution was scheduled. I suppose they did so because the serving up of justice was newsworthy, but I suspect it was just as much for ratings since many viewers tuned in with morbid fascination. After watching the coverage one time, I made a habit of changing the channel in the future. The reporter described the details of the last hours, the appeals, the final meal, and the slow walk to the execution chamber. The condemned person was routinely referred to as a “dead man walking.” Barring an unlikely stay of execution, the individual was as good as dead. He simply had not breathed his last breath yet.

         What I described as morbid fascination could also be understood as a curiosity. All of us know, if only in the depths of our minds, that death is inevitable. As Christians, we cling to the unlikely hope that Christ will return before our passage. It is a worthy hope to be sure, but Jesus made it clear that only the Father knows when that will happen, and He has not put it on the calendar. So, we all must wonder from time to time when and how our demise will occur. If we could prepare, like the convicted and condemned, what would we do, think, say, or want our last hours to be like?

         In the verse above we are assured that we are all “dead men walking” because of our trespasses. Trespassing is encroaching upon territory that belongs to another and is off-limits to us. That is the essence of sin. When one assumes sovereignty over God’s property it is a trespass. What is God’s property? Everything? Yes. And more importantly, our soul. Remember last Sunday when I shared the significance of the word emphusao? It is the God-breathed part of our being – it belongs to God.

         Because of grace – unmerited favor – God gives a stay of execution through God’s Son, Lord Jesus Christ. God the Father goes so far as to pardon the convicted and condemned. God the Son invites the pardoned to receive the breath of life again so that we are no longer dead men walking. This new life is eternal, meaning it transcends the inevitable end of these perishable bodies. While we still can only imagine how our lives on earth will end and when we are given a hope that extends beyond – by grace you have been saved –!

         Are you staggered yet? Do you see why we must worship as if we just can’t help it? It is so easy to get hung up on temporal matters as if they are of any real significance when measured against the immensity of God’s love and timeless presence. Please, decide today that your eternal relationship with God the Father, the Son, and the Spirit are more important than tasks, temperaments, rules, traditions, tastes, opinions, status, belongings, schedules, entitlements, politics, prejudices, etc., etc., etc.

         If you give yourself completely to Him in His grace, our Lord will reframe all these things and more so that your heart, mind, and spirit are aligned with His. Please, don’t wait any longer!

Moral Truth

Wandering in the Wilderness: Moral Truth

Sunday, July 26, 2020   

Revelation 2:12-17

Introduction

           This letter is overflowing with truth for then, now, and the future. The Church at Pergamum withstood the temptation to align with the Greco-Roman worldview, which is an entirely humanistic system of government and culture. However, Pergamum Christians struggled with temptations of a different sort.

Churches often stand with one voice against corrupt societal norms even while corruption is tolerated within their subculture. This was a problem for the Church at Ephesus, despite being praised for overcoming the Nicolaitan heresies, they went too far and became legalistic. Their conservatism barred some in their faith community from acceptance based on self-righteous sanctimony.  

Pergamum Christians appear to have erred on the side of liberality. Too much tolerance of un-Christian, immoral activity renders grace irrelevant, and too much legalism robs the Church of Grace. God’s grace through Christ and experienced in the Holy Spirit, is balanced as each born-again Christian is freed from the power of sin and is empowered to live in and with Grace.

            Pergamum was a city with temples to Greek, Roman, and Egyptian gods/goddesses and the city was also the center for the Imperial cult - emperor worship. Specifically, it seems to have been a center for the worship of Asclepius, a god of medicine. Many travelers visited the city to make sacrifices to this god for their health and the health of others. There was also a temple to the Egyptian god, Serapis, who was associated with healing.

 

The Enemy Within

           When the Lord referred to Balak and Balaam He harkened back to the wilderness wanderings of His people in the Book of Numbers. Balak hired a pagan holy man, Balaam to put a curse upon the people of God so Balak could defeat them. This did not work, so Balaam advised the Balak and the Moabites to entrap the Israelites in idolatry and immorality (Numbers 31:16; 25:1-2; 31:8; Joshua 13:22). This did have a negative impact. When the people of God, then, now, and in the future put their faith in God there is no enemy who can defeat them with a frontal attack. Therefore, the dedicated enemy has no choice but to corrupt them from within.

             Peter and Paul both admonished Christians not to blend pagan culture with the true Christian faith (2 Peter 2:15; 1 Corinthians 10:7-8) Food sacrificed to idols is just food if one eats it for sustenance (see 1 Corinthians 10:28). If one does so in agreement that it will serve a false god or pagan belief, then it is sin. It is the mixing of pagan idolatry with Christian faith in God’s grace through Christ that is an abomination.

           Every time the Israelites in the wilderness were punished by God it was because they tried to fit God into the humanist/pagan worldview of their oppressors. It was true in for Pergamum Christians before and it is still true today. Have you witnessed the blending of humanist culture with Christ’s intended culture in a local church? How were the outcomes similar to those experienced by the Israelites and the Pergamum Christians?

 

Conclusion

           Jesus promised hidden manna, or food that comes from God like the Israelites were given daily with no effort from the recipients. In Christian times, it is God’s grace, given through now effort from its recipients. It’s Christ’s Word of grace and justice. When repentantly accepted, God’s grace through Christ assures us of a new name in God’s book of eternal life.

Insurgence

“Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.”  ~ Colossians 2:6-7

 

Last week at this time I was in Orlando, Florida for a brief but significant meeting with a small group of Christians who shared a common passion for the “the gospel of the Kingdom.” The phrase was coined by our convener, the author, and speaker, Frank Viola in his landmark work, “Insurgence. Reclaiming the Gospel of the Kingdom.” (Baker Books (June 5, 2018)) Frank’s stated mission is “to help serious followers of Jesus know their Lord more deeply so they can experience real transformation and make a lasting impact.”

 

Most of my readers and hearers are aware that I proclaim a similar mission for the churches I serve as pastor. “To be disciples [of Jesus Christ], to seek disciples [of Jesus Christ], and to change the world” So, naturally, Frank and I speak the same language when it comes to the Church of our Lord, Jesus. It is not a denomination, a sect, or doctrinal statement that guides us, but a singular devotion to Christ as leader of His Kingdom and its subjects. While I am called by Him to serve in a certain context, His authority takes precedence over all others.

 

That is what it means to live the gospel of the Kingdom. It means that I pledge allegiance to Christ above allegiance to flags, denominations, and my own flesh. Loyalty to Christ is usually not so incompatible with patriotism, dogma, and tastes that it creates bitter contests, but I must be willing to accept conflict that arises due to my choices. I must be willing to endure hardship for His Name’s sake.

 

God’s people entered the Promised Land to establish His Kingdom on earth. The land was already occupied by pagan people groups. Their arrival caused consternation and brought conflict. It was an invasion. Christ’s Kingdom is also a Promised Land though it is not found on any maps. It is established within enemy boundaries and exists wherever His subjects are found. They are an insurgence. When we leave behind pagan idolatry, as in the land of Egypt, and enter the refining wilderness, we are preparing to enter the Promised Kingdom.

 

When the Apostle Peter proclaimed, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Jesus said that submission to Him as such would result in a force that the gates of Hell could not withstand. (Matthew 16:16-18) This statement reminds us that we are to approach the world of humanism, which is a kind of self-worship in the image of Lucifer [Satan], with the same confidence processed by Joshua [Yeshua] and the people of God at Jericho. When we proclaim that Jesus is Lord the walls come tumbling down.

 

Practically speaking, the Christian insurgent resists the enemy by denying his/her flesh. One undermines the enemy by choosing humility over personal glory; by choosing mercy over retribution; by choosing gratitude instead of complaining; by denying earthly gain, playthings, and idols so that he/she can give more to whatever matters most to the Lord, and by thinking eternally rather than temporally.

 

Unfortunately, many persons try to live with one foot in the Kingdom and one foot in the world. They are unwilling to give up the temporary for the sake of the everlasting. They are like the rich young man of whom Jesus said, “It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of the needle than for a rich man to enter heaven.” (Matthew 10:25) Jesus said this because he came to save the part of us that was designed for eternity. He did not come to feed our flesh and its desires. The Lord does not invite us to pray for prosperity and success. Rather, He challenges us to pray, “Thy Kingdom come; Thy will be done on earth as in heaven.” (Matthew 6:10-13)

 

As we, the Shiloh family, as people of God move toward the Promise let us put away our fears of conflict in whatever forms we perceive it, whether in mockery or persecution and choose the insurgent life of true Kingdom dwellers. Let us band together as a force of good for His Name’s sake. Let us resist the status quo or religious programs, causes, and identities. Let us choose to shout at the gates of Hell and the walls of Jericho, “Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God. He is the King and I am His faithful subject!”

Suffering Servants

Wandering in the Wilderness: Suffering Servants  

Sunday, July 19, 2020    

Revelation 2:1-7 (1219)  

Introduction   

            The letter to Ephesus reminded us that Christ expects us to live as though we are under His rule within His Kingdom. We are not to straddle the fence between the world and Christ’s Kingdom. Doing so will only lead to division within the Body and reduce the efficacy of its witness. The letter to Smyrna presents a contrast that should get our attention. The saints are commended for faithful endurance through slander and physical suffering. Note that Jesus acknowledges that some will die in this life. He assures them of eternal rewards. He also warns against the “second death.”

 

The Christian Response to Discomfort and Suffering

            What was it about the Smyrna Christians that so pleases the Lord? The answer may be easier to understand by looking at the people of God who wandered in the wilderness with Moses. When God delivered Israel from slavery to Egypt, God intended to bring them into a promised land of blessing and success. However, the people were uncooperative. In fact, they complained and fought against God almost every step of the way. Every time they suffered some form of discomfort, which could have been a simple matter of not knowing everything they felt entitled to know, they faithlessly grumbled. They were filled with bitter poison that came from their mouths like venom. 

            Eventually, God had enough of their cold-heartedness and bitter petulance. God gave them a dose of their own medicine by allowing venomous vipers to attack the complaining people with painful bites and agonizing deaths. (Numbers 21:4-5) After suffering just punishments every time they grumbled and rebelled, this final one seems to have stuck with the people as they finally recognized the death that was in them and cried out to the Lord; acknowledging their sin. (verse 7) After they were saved by looking to the cross that bore the emblem of their sin, they were saved. 

            Jesus said, “as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:14-15) He said this to connect the familiar plight of the complaining wanderers to our own. We are filled with the bitter poison of sin – best known in our pride, that will kill our souls in the “second death” unless we repent of our sin and look to Christ’s cross for salvation. 

 

Conclusion

            Smyrna Christians are not complaining but faithfully enduring their discomfort and suffering. They know that their sin is washed away by the blood of Jesus. They are confident of their everlasting existence because they have God’s propitiation through Christ-Jesus to save them from the “second death.” Smyrna Christians do not complain because they have an eternal perspective. They know that mere humans cannot take this away from them. They are not only unafraid, but they are joyful, even praising God amid their pain. They can do so because they know in their hearts that discomfort and suffering in the world of the flesh are temporary and will be forgotten in the immortal presence of the Lord. 

 Our current wilderness is offering opportunities to complain or praise. What will the Lord find you doing? Will your patient endurance garner Christ’s praise? Or, will your bitter complaining bring about His judgment?   

  

Not Our Home

"And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together." ~ Colossians 1:17

I awakened today further from home than I've been since last year. As usual, I emerged from sleep with a song in my memory. Today it was the chorus of "In You" by Mercy Me. I immediately thought about writing encouragement for you with my favorite vision inspired by this chorus. I will share it with you later. Before I do, I need to flesh out some things. I reviewed the lyrics of the entire song so that I might quote them accurately. It's good that I did so, since the song ties into the theme of my current setting and purpose with the precision of the Holy Spirit.

It may seem like chaos is ripping our familiar and comforting lives apart, but that is really a matter of perspective. It depends upon the news channels you follow, the commentators you listen to, or the view from your window. The Bible informs us that total chaos will only come when Christ Jesus stops holding things together. Every generation has known lesser apocalypses that, for a certain time and in certain places, were truly the end of life as those who were afflicted new it. Yet, they were not the final apocalypse. When it comes, the entire world, even the entire universe, will know it. In the same way, when Christ returns all creation will see Him and hear His voice.

The important thing to remember is that we don't belong to the world, if we belong to the King, Lord Jesus Christ. Every sincere commitment to new life in Him will be rewarded with ever increasing discomfort in the world of the flesh. If your heart is troubled by the absurd logic of humanism that flies in the face of God the Father's absolute truth, it is because you are gradually being remade into the image of Christ.

That being said, it bears repeating that we are to be the image of His love. Judgement is reserved for Him alone. The Christian believer's tastes are not the basis for justification. Faith in Christ crucified and His reign as ruler of His Kingdom justifies even those with whom we disagree about matters of the flesh. If Lord Jesus Christ is to increase as we decrease, then our role in His economy is determined by His call and assignment. He commands and we obey. For example, Christ commands that we forgive others seventy-times-seven times. (Matthew 18:22) Remember, it's not about you!

In the song I mentioned earlier the composer reminds us: It's no secret that we don't belong here; Though set apart by the grace of You; We look for the day when we go to a place; Where the old becomes brand new.

This is the essence of the wilderness journey. In the wilderness we die to our flesh and are made ready for the Promised Land. As we draw nearer to it, it draws nearer to us. When the prodigal child repented and died to himself he went home the father and found that the father was running to meet him.

While the chaos and brokenness of our world and our own lives trouble us, they only serve as reminders that we don't belong here. Therefore, keep it in mind as you navigate the wilderness and find your way home. Trust that the Father is running toward us. He will bring the fullness of His Son's Kingdom to your life and, in time to all of creation.

The chorus I had in mind as I awakened this morning says: In You where the hungry feast at the table; The blind frozen by colors in view; The lame will dance; They'll dance for they are able; And the weary find rest; Oh the weary find rest in You.

It we replace the word, 'you' with 'Your Kingdom' we can see even more clearly where the Body of Christ is headed. We must not lose hope for His Day is very near.

As promised, here is the vision I have every time I hear that chorus. My beautiful bride and I have five amazing children, two lovely daughters-in-law, and three precious grandchildren. Our two youngest children were born with Spina-Bifida. They have both endured more than I care to share here. They each have certain limitations, most noticeable are their struggles with walking. One child is lame and walks as such. The other is dependant upon a wheelchair for mobility. When I hear this chorus, I look forward to a day when they will be whole; when I will dance with my daughter and run with my son. The here and now life is challenging and often very difficult, but it is only a broken reflection. The King reigns in the hearts that temporarily dwell within broken bodies. In the same way the King must reign in us even amid the brokenness of our lives and our temporary homeland.

God bless you,
Pastor Dan

CCLI Song # 3479843

Bart Millard

• © 2001 Simpleville Music (Fair Trade Music Publishing [c/o Essential Music Publishing LLC])

For use solely with the SongSelect® Terms of Use. All rights reserved. www.ccli.com

CCLI License # 1252648

Remembering the First Love

Wandering in the Wilderness: Remembering the First Love

Sunday, July 12, 2020   

Revelation 2:1-7 (1218)

Introduction  

            The seven letters in The Revelation are written by Jesus. They are report cards, so to speak. It is important to remember that Jesus told John to, “Write what you see in a book and send it to the seven churches, to Ephesus and to Smyrna and to Pergamum and to Thyatira and to Sardis and to Philadelphia and to Laodicea” and “Write therefore the things that you have seen, those that are and those that are to take place after this.” (Rev. 1:11; 19)

The churches are being graded on both present and future qualities. In other words, they were literal church communities and types of church communities, and types of Christians. Therefore, when we read the letters from Jesus, we ought to take heed to what the Lord is saying about the kind of Christians we are now and are becoming. We ought to think carefully about the Church and its communal identity. How do our choices impact the efficacy of local churches as a light of Christ?

 

READ: Revelation 2:1-7

            When you think about “forsaking your first love,” what comes to mind? Is this anything like a man who falls deeply in love with a woman, then marries her and starts a family only to abandon them for the sake of providing for them? His pursuit of success and the “need” for respite from his endeavors combine with the allure of the corporate culture to make him a good provider but and absentee parent. The first love is gone, and the family is only a shadow.

Ready for the Promise Realized

            The people of God today are like those of the Exodus in that they are citizens of another kingdom who are wandering a dangerous wilderness as they await the fulfillment of the Promised Land. They attend to daily living even as they watch the sky for the movement of God’s holy glory. They remain ready to let go of their comforts and follow the Lord in an instant. However, their daily routines can combine with the Lord’s apparent stillness to cause spiritual laziness. Or worse, cold-hearted religious routines that foster false complacency.

            The Church at Ephesus struggled with these tensions. It appears that false teaching helped to promote unhealthy spiritual habits. Their first pastor, the Apostle Paul, warned them against it saying, “I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; and from among your own selves will arise men speaking twisted things, to draw away the disciples after them.” (Acts 20:29 – 30) Later, when Paul left Timothy in Ephesus, he urged Timothy to, “charge certain persons not to teach any different doctrine, nor to devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies, which promote speculations rather than the stewardship from God that is by faith. (1 Timothy 1:3 – 7; 2 Timothy 1:15)

            It appears that, while the Church at Ephesus improved in its doctrinal discernment, it had also grown cold-hearted. Churches and their leaders often succumb to this dilemma. In their zeal to root out heresy and to produce true worship, they become more devoted to the ideal than to the Lord, and they become cruel and judgmental toward others. They will often claim their right to do so because of their family name or status among their peers. “Nicolaitans” appears to refer to a sect that promoted decadence and immorality even as they professed to be Christians. Beliefs like those caused considerable trouble in the Church. Ephesian pastors stood patiently and solidly against immorality, for which they were commended. But their dogmatic legalism made them unduly harsh with maturing Christians, and often ignorant of the poor and oppressed among them.

Conclusion

            The people of God range from those who are thoroughly devoted to the Kingdom and those whose love is superficial and motivated by the promise of life after death. Unfortunately, both extremes can lead believers and churches to become like Ephesus. Some church folk can be sanctimonious and self-righteous. They are quick to condemn others like the one of whom Jesus said, “Why do you see the speck that is in your brother's eye, but does not notice the log that is in your own eye?” (Matthew 7:3) Other church folks will make a half-hearted effort at attending to their relationship with Christ even while they pursue all the creature comforts. Jesus said of them, “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 7:21) When the Church becomes too devoted to its doctrine and dogma, it no longer worships and serves the Lord, but itself. At that point, it ceases to be the Church and becomes a religion. The only cure for this terminal illness is repentance.

            The current wilderness journey presents us with the opportunity to evaluate our relationship with God and with each other. We have a chance to reset our priorities and to strive for Jesus’ commendation. Our Master assures us that, those who overcome the temptations of false teaching and natural attractions to fleshly indulgence and worldly ease are promised access to the Tree of Life. This means the faithful will enjoy everlasting life in the heart of God’s presence.