Interpretation of Revelation can be a daunting task. There is much symbolism and variation in itself as literature that one needs to exercise caution when looking at the text.
One interesting fact throughout the book (seen in chapter 2) is the use of angels as intermediaries between God in the church. Not in the sense of salvation but in terms of messengers. There is a strong emphasis in the book of the spiritual realm at play in our lives. As PK touched on in his sermon of 14 September 2008, there are spiritual forces at work in our lives. Some work for Uncle Screwtape. Others work for the King. We all have an opportunity to serve the King which is a blessing.
Perhaps this is what Christ (through John) is referring to in His message to the Ephesian church (Rev 2:1-7). This church was busy working and enduring some sort of affliction. Verse two suggests they also were resisting doctrinal challenges. This was a busy church. But the angel indicts them immediately in verse five: “…you have abandoned the love you had at first”. They had worked so hard they forgot about the One who saved them.
Our existence is to know and love God. Rick Warren is right in the beginning of his book “The Purpose-Driven Life” when he states “Its not about you”. We can focus our lives on others and not ourselves. But we can also go too far and focus so much on work that we forget Christ. We can - and I have - fallen into the trap of works over relationship. I was like that cute little hamster (which I am neither) running in his/her wheel. Run run run as she may there is no linear motion. No progress. Just a lot of running. Like the hamster, we can fill our lives with godly activities. Teach Sunday School [and yes, Donna still needs teachers :-)]. We serve meals. Clean the church. Turn the dials at the audio board. All sort of work yet we can loose sight of the vision God has for us. And the fact that He is a personal and relational Being - a loving Father. He wishes to hang out and get to know us.
Father, help us to be busy for You and Your Kingdom. But help us, through your Holy Spirit, to remember that it is Your Son, Jesus Christ, that gave us the opportunity and ability to know you. May everything we do bring glory to You. Draw us closer to you.
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