Journal Rev 2 (all references are from the ESV; changes in punctuation are mine)
Scripture: [The Spirit to the church at Ephesus] “I know your works, your toil, and your patient endurance, and how you cannot bear with those who are evil but tested those who call themselves apostles and are not and found them to be false.
I know you are enduring patiently and bearing up for my name’s sake, and you have not grown weary.
But I have this against you: (that) You have abandoned the love you had at first. Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the works you did at first. Yet this you have: you hate the works of the Nicolaitans (which I also hate). He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” Rev 2:2-7
[To the church at Pergamum] “I know where you dwell, where Satan’s throne is. Yet, you hold fast my name…you did not deny my faith…
But I have a few things against you: You have some there (among you) that hold to the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to put a stumbling block before the sons of Israel, so that they might eat food sacrificed to idols and practice sexual immorality. So also, you have some who hold the teaching of the Nicolaitans. Therefore repent.” (Rev 2:12-16)
Observation: I think it is interesting that both churches are being evaluated by the Spirit concerning their faithfulness.
Application: Ephesus is faithful, but dead emotionally, perhaps just going through the motions however conscientious to the Gospel they are. They are testified about losing their first love, that excitement of discovering the Lover of their Souls.
Ephesus: Sterile.
Pergamum is faithful in a sacrificial way but with perhaps a surface understanding of the Gospel. They are the epitome of “good seed falling on rocky soil: Quickly taking root but having no depth.
Pergamum: Shallow.
Ephesus denies the teaching of the Nicolaitans. Pergamum allows some accommodation to the Nicolaitans. What, then, is the significance of the Nicolaitans?
Nicolaitans (followers of the deacon Nicolas?) have always bothered me. What were they? They were a significant influence and not in a good way. However, they oozed into churches and believer’s lives easily it seems.
“According to the writings of the Early Church leaders, Nicolas taught a doctrine of compromise…” (Renner.org; “Who were the Nicolaitans?”) was the best that I have found googling—and makes sense. What would the Spirit hate? Compromise; having another god before him. The article referenced above implied that this deacon Nicolas had a foot on both sides of the line: “The evil fruit of Nicolas’ “doctrine” encouraged worldly participation, leading people to indulge in sin and a lowered godly standard.”
What should my standard of godliness be? What should I promote; what should I preach? When I point to the heavens and declare, “Follow me as I follow Christ”, what should I expect FROM MYSELF?
I want to be holy. I want to be godly. I want to walk worthy of the Gospel.
I cannot get too far from the instruction of Paul to Timothy: “…you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, being trained in the words of the faith and of the good doctrine that you have followed…Rather train yourself for godliness…godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and for the life to come…” (1 Tim 4:6-8)
Yet it occurs to me that Timothy was established as the Elder/Pastor of the church in Ephesus…and they ended up being testified as “working, faithful, but sterile—lost their first love…”
Prayer: Dang it, Lord! You find a way to shake me at my roots once again. Just when I am getting comfortable with my life, you call me to SEEK YOU, find You, tilt my head to strain for your whisper…
Allow me to be patient as I wait upon you; not jumping at the first “good idea” but reacting positively just the same. I know I am talking out of both sides of my mouth but am also confident you are hearing when I call.
Unplug my ears, please.
AMEN.
Ricky Two Shoes