Not even a century beyond Calvary, God had controversies with the churches in Asia Minor. He sent hand-written messages, outlining specific problems, to the messengers (the pastors) of the churches in Revelation chapters two and three. His purpose in interrupting the prevailing conditions in each congregation was to provoke a course correction. Things were off-track, so He sent letters to the under shepherds detailing the problems along with a solemn warning. The LORD Himself took the initiative to intervene. He did not beat around the bush. These letters cut straight to the heart of the issues in each local church. He called on the pastors to call their congregations to corporately REPENT… or else.
Let’s look briefly at the letter to the Ephesian assembly. He begins by identifying Himself as the one who held the seven stars in His right hand and walked in the midst of the seven candlesticks (Rev. 2:1-7). Next He compliments them for their…
- Works
- Labor
- Patience
- Aversion to evil doers
- Church discipline exposing phony apostles
- Perseverance
After listing multiple commendations, He faulted them for leaving their first love (v. 4). Then, He calls on them to repent quickly, or suffer the loss of their candlestick which refers to His personal presence (v. 5). He threatened them with the forfeiture of their testimony. This would reduce the Ephesian congregation to a hollow shell of religiosity without any animating force. A power outage was imminent! Note carefully that the LORD point-blanked them with an ultimatum—REPENT OR ELSE!
He concludes His message by appealing to all who had ears to hear. He incentivized them with the amazing reward of eating from the tree of life in the paradise of God (v. 7). He pressed them hard with the necessity and benefits of overcoming.
Though the Ephesian church experienced a supernatural beginning, their future was in jeopardy! In mercy, He strongly appealed with clarity and reason. This was no subliminal, or hidden message. The Ephesian church had gone astray. Drastic and immediate action was needed. And the burden came directly to the angel, which was the messenger or lead pastor. The letter was not addressed to a board of deacons or church council. He personally addressed the pastor, and charged him with the responsibility to call the church to repentance. An intervention, or rescue operation, was the only remedy to restore vitality and validity to this church.
As you study the other churches referenced in this passage, you will discover God is gripped by a fervent desire for His people be holy. In mercy, He speaks to any who had ears to hear. Notice the issues He addresses in the churches…
Pergamos…
- Doctrine of Balaam—Sacrificing to idols and fornication
- Doctrine of Nicolaitans
Thyatira…
- Toleration of Jezebel who taught people to commit immorality and eat idolatrous sacrifices
Sardis…
- Good reputation, but spiritually dead
Laodicea…
- Lukewarm
- Poor, wretched, miserable, blind, naked
The LORD had controversies with five of the seven churches. Offering words of affirmation where deserved, He then proceeded to articulate the sins in each church. He dealt directly with the Shepherds and called on them to call the people to REPENTANCE. And those black and white challenges were backed with promises of grace, as well as threats.
It was an act of mercy that He gave them every opportunity to change their ways. Serious infractions were countered with serious appeals for change. Those gracious letters were written from a heart of love. He longed for His purchased people to honor Him. He desired that His blood-bought Bride walk worthy of their Redeemer. So great was His yearning for their continued welfare that He personally intervened, with a personalized plan, for restoration in each congregation.
Corporate calls to repentance reveal the Father-heart of God. Churches who retain the Glory must experience periodic resets. Though painful, these purges are necessary and beneficial beyond words. It is the pastor’s responsibility to stay sensitive, listen, comply, and deliver the Savior’s message to the church. Believers should never despise the Lord’s chastening hand. Welcome His speaking voice, respond immediately, and comply completely.
Whenever God interrupts and intervenes in your assembly, you should be humbled and amazed at His condescension. This display of longsuffering is evidence of God’s favor and concern for His church. The very fact that He has not given up on us is absolutely amazing. It is this sort of divine disruption that proves His love. And our response should always include gratitude for His caring oversight. So how should we respond when God disturbs the status quo? In short, rejoice and be exceedingly glad. Celebrate every divine disruption!
Harold Vaughan
