SCRIPTURE:
“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. I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance. I know that you cannot tolerate wicked people, that you have tested those who claim to be apostles but are not, and have found them false. You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary.
Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken the love you had at first. Consider how far 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.
Revelation 2:1-5
OBSERVATION:
On first glance, the Book of Revelation can seem like a complicated text that is difficult to understand. However, upon closer look, you’ll soon find that it’s not as out-of-reach as you think. In fact, for those who choose to move past this falsely perceived difficulty, great truth, wisdom, and conviction for life today awaits. One of these invaluable convictions lies in Jesus’ letter to the Ephesians.
The Book of Revelation, though written by John, is Jesus’ prophetic revelation to us about the future. The book begins with seven letters from Jesus to seven churches. While the churches mentioned were actual churches that existed when John recorded Jesus’ revelation, Bible scholars say that these churches represent seven different types of churches that exist throughout history and how they can overcome a critical problem that they face. More importantly, the problems that these churches face, as well as God’s remedy for their issues, don’t just apply to churches at an organizational level––they apply to you and I as Christ-followers at an individual level.
So what is this life-changing wisdom that the church at Ephesus offers you? To return to your first love.
When it comes to life, there are many things––people, places, objects––that we love. The love we have for these things consume our attention, influence our decisions, and impact the way that we live. However, among this list of “loves,” whom do you love the most? The answer, of course, should be God. But if we’re honest, the answer often isn’t God. That was the case for the church at Ephesus.
As Jesus calls out in verses two through four, “I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance. I know that you cannot tolerate wicked people, that you have tested those who claim to be apostles but are not, and have found them false. You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary. Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken the love you had at first.” In other words, Jesus is saying that “you have done many great things, but you have failed to love me.”
With God, it’s not about “doing” as much as it is about “being.” God cares more about who you are to Him, your relationship with Him, and your love for Him more than what you do for Him. It’s not about productivity; it’s all about relationship. God cares more about your love than your labor.
In fact, did you know that you can do a lot of great things for God, yet still be grossly out of His will? That’s what happened to the Church at Ephesus. “Consider how far 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,” said Jesus (Revelation 2:5) Ephesus did many great things for God, but they forgot their first love. Productivity, plans, and actions became an idol, and they completely missed the point of life. Yes, God desires your obedience. Yes, God has a specific purpose for your life. But far greater than these, above all else, God simply desires for you to love Him.
APPLICATION:
Who is your first love? What do you care about most? If it’s God, then keep the flame alive. If it’s not God, return to Him.
Don’t be like the church at Ephesus––full of great deeds yet grossly out of God’s will. If labor is the focus of your relationship with God, then you’ll wrongly view Him as your boss. If love is the focus of your relationship with God, then you’ll rightly view Him as your Father. God isn’t your boss; He’s your Father. Just as a good Father desires of His children, God desires for you, His child, to love Him.
With God, it’s not all about “doing;” it’s all about “being.” God loves you just as you are, and there’s nothing that you could do, or don’t do, that could make Him love you any less. Let love, not labor, be the foundation of your relationship with Christ.
Today, return to your first love. Love God, and let Him love you. For it’s not what you do that makes you valuable to God; it’s who you are to Him that does.
PRAYER:
Father God,
Thank You for Your great love for me. What a privilege it is to be Your child and to be loved by You. I repent for the times I have labored without love, and for the times I have forgotten my first love. I ask for Your forgiveness, and I receive Your love today. You are my one desire, I give you my heart, and I love You alone. You are my first love.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen
