MONDAY April 19, 2021
Have You Left Your First Love?
“To the angel of the church of Ephesus write ...I have this against you, that you have left your first love.”
Revelations 2:1, 4
On the Day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit came upon the disciples of Christ. God’s Spirit moved powerfully, and the Church was established (Acts 2). God used Paul’s life to work many unusual miracles (Acts 19:11-12). Many believed in Christ, and the Word of God grew mightily and prevailed (Acts 19:20).
The Ephesian Church grew and flourished. Yet after thirty short years, Jesus, who walks in the midst of the Churches, exhorted the Church in Revelations 2:2-4, saying:
“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 for My name’s sake and have not become weary. Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love.”
Notice the problem; even though they had good works, patience and had persevered, the Church of Ephesus had grown cold in their love of Christ. Have you fallen out of love with Christ? In your life, have other things become more important than Christ? Is there no longer any peace or power? Listen to the Words given to the Church of Ephesus and take them to heart: “Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works” (Revelation 2:5).
Do you remember what it used to be like when you first accepted Christ as your Savior? Perhaps, you were at every service, and you willingly served the Lord. Are you still in love with Jesus, desiring to hear His Word and serving Him?
To fall in love with God is the greatest romance; to seek him the greatest adventure; to find him, the greatest human achievement.
~St. Augustine of Hippo~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!
