JESUS SPEAKING
“To the angel of the church of Ephesus write, ‘These things says he who holds the seven stars in his right hand, who walks in the midst of the seven golden lampstands: I know your works, your labor, your patience, and that you cannot bear those who are evil. And you have tested those who say they are apostles and are not, and have found them liars; and you have persevered and have patience, and have labored and have not become weary. Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love. Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place—unless you repent” (Revelation 2: 1-5.)
INSPIRED THOUGHTS
Eleven of the twelve disciples were martyred for their faith; the apostle John however, lived to be an old man. In his final days, he received a revelation from God; in this revelation, he recorded a message from Jesus Christ to the seven churches that had been established around the Mediterranean. In his address to the Church at Ephesus, the Lord had many good things to say. He commended the congregation for questioning those who had come to them claiming to be prophets. He praised them for their continued patience; and he honored them for loving righteousness and despising evil. Even still, Christ did find among them one grievous sin; they had left their first love. The Ephesians, like most Christians, had initially been zealous for the things of God; as new converts they were more than eager to spread the gospel and to obey the teachings of Christ. Over time however, they had grown cold and apathetic. In turn, Jesus commanded them to repent and to once again accomplish the works of God.
Dating and marriage are essential parts of the human condition. When a man courts a woman he is filled with enthusiasm and excitement. He spends large amounts of money taking the woman out; he buys her flowers, candy, and perhaps even jewelry. He does everything he can to impress her, and to let her know that she is loved. After years of marriage however, men and women have a tendency to become apathetic toward one another. They slip in to routine and lose their enthusiasm and zeal. The result is a marriage that is no longer founded upon love; if the love does not return, divorce is extremely probable.
Like many marriages, the church of Ephesus had grown cold. Today there are many Christians who have become indifferent and apathetic. As we examine our hearts, if we have lost our excitement and zeal, then we must repent. We must once again do the works of God; we love others unconditionally and spread the gospel message with eagerness and enthusiasm. May the Lord’s Spirit fill you; may He guide you; and may Your heart burn with mercy, passion, and the love of Jesus Christ.
“Lord Heavenly Father, if we have grown cold, help us to repent and to once again be filled with passion and zeal. May we desire to serve You and our fellows; may we long to spread Your gospel; may we love others, and accomplish Your will in this place. We love You Father, we praise You, and we thank You, and we ask and pray all of these things according to Your will, in Jesus Christ’s name. Amen.” God bless all of you.
Jesus Speaks 