Lampstands Can be Removed.
“Therefore, remember from where you have fallen, and repent, and do the deeds you did at first; or else I am coming to you and I will remove your lampstand from its place—unless you repent. But you have this, that you hate the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. The one who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who overcomes, I will grant to eat from the tree of life, which is in the Paradise of God.” – Revelation 2:5-7
Many cities in modern Turkey were once thriving Christian communities. Konya was the Turkish name for the ancient city of Iconium, a flourishing Christian community founded by Paul (Acts 13:51 – 14:6). Ephesus is now Kusadasi, Philadelphia is Aleshehir, and Christians are nowhere to be found.
When Revelation was written Christianity was strongly established in central and western Asia Minor. In fact, many historians believe Christians were more numerous in first-century Asia Minor than anywhere else in the world. But over many centuries, these churches gradually declined until they were virtually eradicated by Islam. The regions where the early church was strongest (including Syria and North Africa) are now Islamic strongholds. As Jesus warns in our text, lampstands can be removed from their place.
Yet it was not Islam that destroyed the church. In North Africa, Christianity was weakened by doctrinal and ethnic controversies. Christians in the Middle East failed to engage the local culture, leaving the way open for Mohammed’s more-contextualized faith. In the Middle Ages, the European church leadership sought to revitalize Christianity in the Middle East. But they misunderstood the gospel and chose a method (the Crusades) that made things even worse. It was the Catholic Church that destroyed the church in the eastern Mediterranean.
We will notice the significance and role of Islam when we get to the 7 Trumpets.
This history should be a warning to us. Where the gospel once flourished (including Europe, North America and Australia), it is now in decline.
Yet regions that hardly knew the gospel two centuries ago (Africa, South America, and Asia) are rapidly becoming the centre of the faith. You and I dare not take our role in God’s plan for granted. If we abandon our mission, God will raise up others to fulfil it. Lampstands can be removed from their place.
As we have already noted, the seven churches represent successive generations of the Christian church down through history. In this first historical period, God offers the over-comers in Ephesus a special reward. They will eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God. If it takes deep repentance to eat from that tree, it will be worth it. The reward is far greater than the sacrifice along the way (cf. Rev 22:2).
Ephesus was the capital and the largest city in the Roman province of Asia. As the chief seaport of Asia, it was a very important commercial and religious centre. The city was filled with such public buildings as temples, theatres, gymnasiums, bathhouses, and brothels. It is also known for the practice of magic and was notorious for immorality and superstition. Yet, the most influential Christian church in the province was in Ephesus.
Ephesus means “desirable.” It represented the first era of Christianity. An Era of warmth, love, faithfulness, obedience to the truth, and labour. Prophetically, from AD 31(The crucifixion & resurrection) to about the end of the first century. By the end of the first century, the church began to wane, losing the fire of its first love, thus departing from the simplicity and purity of the Gospel.
Jesus council; remember! We have no fear for the future unless we forget how God has led us in the past. If you find your faith is waning – remember the council of Rev2:5-7
The reign of God is represented by a “tree of life,” which enhances every life that encounters it. There the over-comer will find an abundant life that never ends. And we will never regret yielding our lives to the rule of God. Surrender your life to God today. He will help you trust His direction.