Today’s
Text: Revelation 2:1-7
“Write this letter to the messenger of the church in Ephesus.
This is the message from the one who holds the seven stars in his right hand,
the one who walks among the seven gold lampstands: “I know all the things you
do. I have seen your hard work and your patient endurance. I know you don’t
tolerate evil people. You have examined the claims of those who say they are
apostles but are not. You have discovered they are liars. You have patiently
suffered for me without quitting. “But I have this complaint against you.
You don’t love me or each other as you did at *first! (Vrs. 1-4)
(*Greek You have lost your first love.)
Words of Devotion
Ephesus was the home of a
tremendous ministry. Despite harsh persecution, the church planted by Paul
endured opposition in spreading the gospel, and was quick to challenge false
prophets. But 30 years after the apostle left, John’s revelation included a
stern warning for those believers.
Imagine how the words of
Revelation 2 must have struck the Ephesians when they read them. After
complimenting their service to the gospel, Christ said, “But I have this complaint against you
. . .” That phrase was no doubt extremely disconcerting. The Lord warned them
that they had left their first love. In other words, all of their work was
being done with wrong motives.
Christ called the
Ephesians to remember their love for Him and their delight in His salvation.
Service is no substitute for an intimate relationship, but modern believers
continue to fall into this subtle trap. There are commendable things that we do
which count for nothing, unless they stem from a vibrant personal connection
with God. Our work can’t be effective or fruitful unless He is in it.
In fact, God is more interested
in you and your personal relationship with Him than in a thousand lifetimes of
good works. He desires to be the satisfaction and delight of His children so
that their service is a result of loving devotion.
There are plenty of wrong
reasons to labor for the kingdom. However, God is satisfied only with service
motivated by love for Him. He wants those with selfish intentions to return to
their first love. In that way, hearts and minds can be renewed, and service to
the Lord will be more fruitful.
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