1“Write this to the angel of the church in Ephesus:
These are the words of the one who holds the seven stars in his right hand and walks among the seven gold lampstands: 2 I know your works, your labor, and your endurance. I also know that you don’t put up with those who are evil. You have tested those who say they are apostles but are not, and you have found them to be liars. 3 You have shown endurance and put up with a lot for my name’s sake, and you haven’t gotten tired. 4 But I have this against you: you have let go of the love you had at first. 5 So remember the high point from which you have fallen. Change your hearts and lives and do the things you did at first. If you don’t, I’m coming to you. I will move your lampstand from its place if you don’t change your hearts and lives. 6 But you have this in your favor: you hate what the Nicolaitans are doing, which I also hate. 7 If you can hear, listen to what the Spirit is saying to the churches. I will allow those who emerge victorious to eat from the tree of life, which is in God’s paradise.
Reflection
The book of Revelation was written by a man named John while he was exiled to the island of Patmos by the Roman Government for preaching the Gospel. This John is not the same as Jesus’ disciple John or the author of the Gospel of John. The title of the book comes from the first verse: “A revelation of Jesus Christ.” Revelation was addressed to the “seven churches that are in Asia” which are the most important cities of the Roman province of Asia (modern day Turkey). In the opening chapters, Jesus addresses these churches by speaking words of encouragement, correction, and instruction to each congregation.
The first message, which we read a part of today, was addressed to the church in Ephesus. Ephesus was an important city known for commerce, culture, and the worship of pagan gods. Christians living there faced constant pressure from the surrounding culture and often experienced opposition because of their faith. Remaining faithful to Christ was not easy.
As Jesus begins His message to the Ephesian church, He offers words of encouragement. He tells them, “I know your works, your labor, and your endurance.” This is a powerful reminder that Christ sees His people. He sees their service, their sacrifices, and their perseverance. Nothing done for Him goes unnoticed.
The Ephesian believers had worked hard for the Gospel. They had stood against false teaching and refused to compromise with evil. They had endured hardships and opposition because they bore the name of Christ. Even when the journey was difficult, they kept going.
Many of us can relate to that experience. Following Jesus is not always easy. We face challenges at work, difficulties in our families, health concerns, disappointments, and seasons when our faith is tested. Sometimes we wonder if anyone notices our efforts to remain faithful. The encouragement of this passage is that Jesus notices.
Jesus notices the quiet acts of service that no one else sees. He notices the prayers offered in the middle of the night. He notices the difficult decisions made in order to honor Him. He notices the times we have stood firm when compromise would have been easier. He notices the burdens we carry and the sacrifices we make. Jesus not only sees our endurance, He values it.
In a culture that often celebrates quick results and immediate success, Scripture reminds us that faithfulness matters. God is not simply looking for spectacular accomplishments; God is looking for people who continue walking in faith day after day, year after year. Endurance is one of the marks of a mature disciple.
At the same time, this passage invites us to examine our own hearts. The Ephesian church was faithful in many ways, but later in this letter Jesus would warn them that they had abandoned their first love. It is possible to be so busy serving God while gradually losing the joy and love that first drew us to God?
The challenge for us is to remain steadfast in both our work and our love for Christ. We are called to endure, not out of duty alone, but out of a deep relationship with the One who first loved us.
Today, if you are weary from serving, remember that Jesus sees your labor. If you are facing opposition, remember that Jesus knows your endurance. If you are tempted to give up, remember that your faithfulness matters to Jesus.
by Manny Estevez
For Pondering and Prayer
Do you every feel like the things you do in Jesus’ name go unnoticed or are unappreciated? Is your endurance to walk in faith being tested now? Know that Jesus always notices and will reward the endurance you show.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for seeing the work, labor, and endurance of Your people. When we grow weary, strengthen us. When we face opposition, give us courage. Help us remain faithful to Your truth without losing our love for You. May we continue serving You with joyful hearts, trusting that You see every act of faithfulness done in Your name. Amen.
