Leaving Our First Love
1 Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write; These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks; 2 I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars: 3 And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name's sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted. 4 Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. 5 Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent. 6 But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitanes, which I also hate. 7 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God. - Revelation 2:1-7
The letter to the church at Ephesus in Revelation 2 opens with a beautiful description of Jesus, who holds the seven stars and walks among the lampstands. This imagery reminds us that Christ is the centre of the church. He is the One we orbit around as we shine His light in the darkness.
Jesus commends the Ephesian church for their devotion to righteousness. They worked hard, persevered through trials, and maintained doctrinal purity by exposing false teachers. The Ephesians had a lot going for them. They seemed to be a model church.
But while applauding their good works, Jesus also offered a grave rebuke - they had left their first love. Though busy with spiritual activity, they neglected intimacy with Christ. Their focus shifted from loving God to loving their reputation of godliness.
Like the Ephesians, it's easy for us to get caught up in religious routines. We faithfully serve at church, volunteer, donate, and live moral lives. But without realising it, our good works become the centre rather than Jesus. Our relationship with Him grows cold even as spiritual busyness increases.
We can also become so zealous about doctrinal purity that we adopt an "us vs. them" mentality. Pride leaves no room for outsiders and rejects those who think differently. But Jesus calls us to grace and truth. He wants our words seasoned with salt to draw people, not drive them away.
The Ephesians left their first love. While avoiding apparent sins, they drifted from Christ. Their hearts slowly exchanged intimacy with Jesus for other idols. And the same subtle shift can happen to us.
But Jesus gently urges the Ephesians to remember, repent, and return to Him - the One who should always be the church's centre and focus. The same tender call comes to us today. In the busyness of ministry, let's take time to sit at Jesus' feet. Among zeal for truth, let's season with grace. Above doing good works, let's love God first.
Christ walks among His churches still, examining hearts. May He find us abounding in love for Him and others. Let it not be said of us that we lost our first love. Let our works flow from intimacy with Jesus, keeping Him as the focus. May we hear and heed this message to the Ephesians. As verse 7 reminds us, "He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches."