We have come to the end of the first of the seven letters to the churches in
Asia Minor. The last verse written to the church in Ephesus reads, “He that
hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him
that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of
the paradise of God.”
We find the phrase “He that hath an ear” in each of the letters. It is a call to
attention. We are deaf and blind, left to ourselves. But the Lord comes in
His grace with His word and the life-giving Spirit. Do we have a spiritual
ear? Is our ear pierced to the door by the Lord? (Exodus 21:6) Are our ears
dug out and opened by the Lord? (Psalm 40:6) Let us then live in obedience
to the word of God and in devotion to it. We read about God’s word in
Psalm 19:7, “The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the
testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.” We read in Psalm
119:97, “O how love I thy law! it is my meditation all the day,” and in verse
105, “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.”
The Lord continues to speak, “To Him that overcometh.” This message is
also in each of the letters. It is a call to perseverance. But what a promise is
attached to it! “I will give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of
the paradise of God.” What a wonder this is. After the fall, the way to the
Tree of Life was closed, and Cherubim guarded the entrance to the garden
and the Tree of Life. That Tree of Life is now amid the Heavenly
Jerusalem. We read of it in Revelation 22:2. That Tree of Life symbolizes
eternal life in God's presence. Living out of the fullness of salvation.
What lessons are found in the letter to Ephesus. Let us continue to cling to
the first love of Christ. God is a God who is jealous of His love and honor.
Even our best works have no value without that love. Good works flow out
of a heart filled with love for Christ. Let us, therefore, listen to the word of
God and persevere. For all who persevere, the crown of righteousness
awaits. F.F. Bruce wrote about this letter that Christ in it says, "I don't care
how fast you cover the first mile. I want to see you reach the end of the
journey.”