Revelation 2:1-5
To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: The words of him who holds the seven stars in his right hand, who walks among the seven golden lampstands. 2 I know your works, your toil and your patient endurance, and how you cannot bear with those who are evil, but have tested those who call themselves apostles and are not, and found them to be false. 3 I know you are enduring patiently and bearing up for my name's sake, and you have not grown weary. 4 But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first. 5 Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first. If not, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent.
In this passage the church at Ephesus is initially praised for its deeds. But there is a word of warning too: "you have abandoned the love you had at first. Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repend, and do the works you did at first" (verses 4-5). This is a sobering warning, for it is easy to lose our initial passion. When I was first married I was excited about spending time with my wife, but now she has become so familiar that I often lose that sense of excitement. Similarly when I first became a Christian my new life was full of enthusiasm and wonder, but now it is often routine and boring. Just as my wife doesn't want me to just "punch the clock" and do my household duties, so God wants more from us, for He wants a relationship. Often our wanderings into lust are because we are bored and looking for some new excitement. But that is just a substitute for the life that God is calling us to.
Lord, help me love You anew.
To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: The words of him who holds the seven stars in his right hand, who walks among the seven golden lampstands. 2 I know your works, your toil and your patient endurance, and how you cannot bear with those who are evil, but have tested those who call themselves apostles and are not, and found them to be false. 3 I know you are enduring patiently and bearing up for my name's sake, and you have not grown weary. 4 But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first. 5 Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first. If not, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent.
In this passage the church at Ephesus is initially praised for its deeds. But there is a word of warning too: "you have abandoned the love you had at first. Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repend, and do the works you did at first" (verses 4-5). This is a sobering warning, for it is easy to lose our initial passion. When I was first married I was excited about spending time with my wife, but now she has become so familiar that I often lose that sense of excitement. Similarly when I first became a Christian my new life was full of enthusiasm and wonder, but now it is often routine and boring. Just as my wife doesn't want me to just "punch the clock" and do my household duties, so God wants more from us, for He wants a relationship. Often our wanderings into lust are because we are bored and looking for some new excitement. But that is just a substitute for the life that God is calling us to.
Lord, help me love You anew.