By David Faust
In Luke 14, Jesus told a story about a man who invited guests to a great banquet, but they rejected the invitation with a variety of excuses. “A real estate deal needs my attention.” “I bought some new oxen, and I must try them out.” “I’m a newlywed.”
Today’s rationalizations sound a bit different, but Jesus’ story rings true because we’re tempted to offer the Lord excuses of our own. “I’m too young (or too old). I’m busy. My family (or my job) requires all my attention. I’m worried about my health. I’m trying to make ends meet. I live in a rough neighborhood.” Non-discipleship never lacks for excuses.
Undying Love
First-century Ephesus was a rough place for Christians—a sanctuary city for criminals. Idolatry and immorality abounded, and the enormous temple of the goddess Artemis—425 feet long and 220 feet wide, with 127 pillars supporting its roof—dominated the city.
Today only the foundation and one column remain from the original temple, but the city’s first-century theatre still exists. That’s where a mob seized the apostle Paul and his companions, dragged them into the 25,000-seat theatre, and shouted, “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!” (Acts 19:28-29). Artemis’s “greatness” didn’t last, though. When I visited Ephesus last year, I noticed a stork had built a nest on the temple’s only standing column.
Despite its problems, Paul considered Ephesus a strategic place for gospel influence. He taught there for two years, and God’s Word penetrated the surrounding area (Acts 19:8-10). The seven churches of Revelation likely were planted by new believers sent out from Ephesus who spread the gospel in their hometowns.
The Ephesian church was blessed with strong leadership in its early days. Paul’s protégé Timothy ministered there (1 Timothy 1:3). So did Priscilla, Aquila, and Apollos (Acts 18:19-26). According to tradition, the apostle John spent the latter part of his life in Ephesus.
Paul closed his Ephesian letter by writing, “Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love” (Ephesians 6:24). Decades later, though, the Lord gave the church a solemn warning, for as time passed, the believers were losing their first love (Revelation 2:4). Eventually the Ephesian church faded into the annals of history and its “lampstand” was removed.
No matter where we live—how hard we work, how many hardships we endure, or what noteworthy leaders we know—we must never forsake our love for Christ.
Unfading Faith
In Turkey last year, I also visited Pergamum. Our tour group took a cable car to the top of an 1,100-foot-high hill and viewed the ruins of pagan temples, theatres, and intimidating Roman military installations that overshadowed first-century Christians like a threatening, devilish throne. Christ assured the believers in Pergamum, “I know where you live—where Satan has his throne. Yet you remain true to my name” (Revelation 2:13).
He knows where we live, too. He knows the challenges we face at work, home, and school. He sees our financial hardships, physical problems, emotional hurts, and interpersonal conflicts. He understands our fears and frustrations.
No matter where we are in life, instead of looking for excuses, we should follow Jesus. Through it all, his promise remains clear. “Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you life as your victor’s crown” (Revelation 2:10).
Personal Challenge:
Right now, what is the biggest threat to your faith in Christ? What temptation threatens to weaken “the love you had at first” for the Lord (Revelation 2:4)?
0 Comments