June 9, 2011
Today’s reading from Encounter with God

Law or Love?

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Opening Prayer

Powerful Lord, I am reminded that You are everlasting, great, loving, and wholly to be trusted. I praise You.

Read REVELATION 2:1-11

[1] “To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: These are the words of him who holds the seven stars in his right hand and walks among the seven golden lampstands: [2] I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance. I know that you cannot tolerate wicked men, that you have tested those who claim to be apostles but are not, and have found them false. [3] You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary. [4] Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken your first love. [5] Remember the height from which you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first. If you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place. [6] But you have this in your favor: You hate the practices of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. [7] He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God. [8] “To the angel of the church in Smyrna write: These are the words of him who is the First and the Last, who died and came to life again. [9] I know your afflictions and your poverty-yet you are rich! I know the slander of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. [10] Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life. [11] He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. He who overcomes will not be hurt at all by the second death.

Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. All rights reserved throughout the world. Used by permission of International Bible Society.

Reflect

And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love” (1 Cor. 13:13).

What is the relationship between law and love? Is it more important to show my children that I love them, or to teach them to do the right thing? In our congregations, is it more important that people revel in God’s love or that they shape their lives after the pattern of Christ? In many ways this is a false choice and yet many congregations (and families) seem to prioritize one over the other.

The congregation in Ephesus have gotten the “law” part right. They have established boundaries around what is right and wrong; they have tested the claims of others; and they have taken seriously the need for endurance in suffering. All this is good—but it appears that they have been infected with the pride that belonged to the city, the third largest in the Empire and the one that claimed pre-eminence in the region. Contrast the congregation at Smyrna, who receive no rebuke despite also living in a proud and wealthy city.

The Ephesians have forgotten two realities, one present and one future. The present reality is the reality of Jesus’ presence among them, “walking among the lampstands,” the same Jesus who was more than willing to eat with sinners, people with whom legalistic Pharisees would not associate. The future reality is the tree of life in “paradise,” the intimate walled garden in the loving presence of God. Our future with God is everywhere in the Bible characterized by joy, life and feasting as we revel in God’s love for us. Jesus came that we might have life, “and have it to the full” (John 10:10). People around us will only be drawn in if they see this quality of fullness and richness of our life together, but not if they see laws and legalism. Bees are attracted by honey, not vinegar.

Apply

What characterizes the congregation you belong to more—law or love? How can you discover together more of the one you are missing?

Closing prayer

Father, in You I can live fully now and one day I will live forever. Truly, “For to me to live is Christ and die is gain.” Thank You, Lord.

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