“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give to eat from the tree of life, which is in the midst of the Paradise of God“
He who has an ear, let him hear
Jesus calls for a positive and decisive choice. Some people are disposed to listen to God’s voice, and others are not. It is a blessing to watch people who are positive toward the Word.
All letters to the seven churches have this challenge to positive resolution. People with an ear for God always listen to His voice. The word “has” means to keep on having an ear for God’s Word.
what the Spirit says to the churches
Note that although John is the human author of Revelation, the Holy Spirit is the divine author.
Each letter to these churches has this phrase as well. Jesus wants to let these churches know that the Holy Spirit speaks through the book of Revelation.
To him who overcomes
Jesus concludes this little epistle to the Ephesians with a promise. To those who “overcome,” Jesus promises certain kinds of rewards. Each reward is different, according to the nature of what they overcame. Some Christians will not overcome, and they will not receive rewards.
The Holy Spirit uses a military term (“overcomes”) to describe the Christian life as a battlefield, not a child’s playground. The Holy Spirit challenges each of the local churches of chapters two and three to overcome a specific issue.
I will give to eat from the tree of life
Eating refers to experiencing the joy of reward in heaven for overcoming spiritual battles. Later in Revelation, John says that the tree of life bears abundant fruit (Re 22:2).
which is in the midst of the Paradise of God
Paradise is a place of the righteous dead, a state of blessedness (Luke 23:43). The phrase “Paradise of God” probably refers to heaven (2 Corinthians 12:4).
Principle:
People with a heart for God have an ear for God’s Word.
Application:
If we have a spiritual ear, we listen for God’s will. Is your ear tuned to hear God’s voice? Has unconfessed sin in your life launched negative volition to God’s Word? Jesus promises you a special reward for the victory of allowing His Word to permeate your soul.
