A Revelation Invitation

“To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: …

“‘To the one who conquers I will grant to eat of the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.’” (Revelation 2:1a,7b ESV)

The crown jewel of the city of Ephesus was its temple to Artemis, the goddess of the hunt, wild animals, the wilderness, childbirth and virginity, and the protector of young girls. The temple’s footprint was larger than a modern football field. Reaching a height of 60 feet and supported by over 120 columns, the temple to Artemis was considered one of the seven wonders of the world and perhaps the most extraordinary of the seven.

Today, very little remains of the temple except for its foundation and some fragments. Among artifacts found at the temple site, archaeologists have unearthed a carved ivory plaque depicting the tree of life. In pagan mythology the tree of life was a source of healing, fertility and immortality. This tree of life was a fitting accessory for Artemis. How appropriate that Jesus promised the Ephesian Christians that the one who conquers will eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God! As with so many images in Revelation, we recognize an implied contrast: Jesus, the true and living one, as opposed to the false, lifeless idol of Artemis, promised eternal life to those who conquered, that is, who were his faithful witnesses unto death. Artemis’ promise of fruitful, eternal life was empty. But because Jesus himself lived even though he had died, the Christians knew that his assurance of eternal life was genuine, solid and full. Jesus’ promise was especially important in the face of pagan persecution. When facing tribulations, Christians naturally ask whether it is worth it to persevere? This promise answers that question with an emphatic YES! Through his suffering, death and resurrection, Jesus traveled the same road that we walk. He endured persecution victoriously and knows firsthand the blessedness that awaits those who conquer as he did. It seems counter-intuitive that victory comes through suffering, but that was exactly how Jesus defeated sin and death.

The original tree of life was at the center of the garden of Eden. While Adam and Eve ate its fruit, God sustained their lives and enjoyed God’s good creation. For us the tree of life points to eternal life in God’s renewed creation. We will enjoy flourishing, new life as God intended from the beginning because evil, sin and death will have been destroyed. In God’s paradise love, joy and peace remain.

God, my creator, I look forward to the day that I eat from the tree of life. I long to live in a world you have made a paradise. Until then, give me the courage and strength to persevere to the end no matter the hardships. Your innocent son endured tremendous suffering yet lives. Thank you for his sacrifice that I might live. Thank you for your promises. Amen.