In the book of Revelation, John writes all about a vision He had from the Lord. The book starts with John recording what Jesus said to seven different churches. I believe we can learn a lot from the seven churches. They exemplify mistakes made by different churches and Christians and what Jesus says about it. Most of us can see ourselves in some or all of the churches. Today I want to talk about the first church addressed-- the church at Ephesus.
Revelation 2:2-7 ‘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. I know you are enduring patiently and bearing up for my name's sake, and you have not grown weary. But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first. 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. Yet this you have: you hate the works of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who conquers I will grant to eat of the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.’
Jesus makes it clear that the church at Ephesus is doing a lot right. He commends them for recognizing the plots of the enemy and their endurance in persecution. Yet, He points out that they are missing the point of Christianity-- their love for Jesus Christ. The first commandment is to love Him above all else. It is easy to get distracted by life and to forget to just spend time with Jesus in love. It sounds like that is just what happened with this church.
Revelation 2:2-7 ‘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. I know you are enduring patiently and bearing up for my name's sake, and you have not grown weary. But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first. 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. Yet this you have: you hate the works of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who conquers I will grant to eat of the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.’
Jesus makes it clear that the church at Ephesus is doing a lot right. He commends them for recognizing the plots of the enemy and their endurance in persecution. Yet, He points out that they are missing the point of Christianity-- their love for Jesus Christ. The first commandment is to love Him above all else. It is easy to get distracted by life and to forget to just spend time with Jesus in love. It sounds like that is just what happened with this church.
Have you lost sight of what's important in your relationship with Jesus? If you don't love Him more than when you first became a Christian, it is time to reevaluate. Is your lifestyle about loving Him and pleasing Him? Or simply about getting things right according to His word. You can't do one without the other. Think about this in the context of your own life today. Have you lost the love you once had for Him?
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