A MESSAGE TO THE CHURCH
REVELATION 2:2-5
REVELATION 2:2-5 NKJV
2 "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; 3 and you have persevered and have patience, and have labored for My name's sake and have not become weary. 4 Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love. 5 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.
OBSERVATION:
I have never made claims to being any kind of expert when it comes to the Bible. I know more than I used to, and I am still learning.
But when it comes to the book of Revelation. I confess I know this book the least of all the New Testament books.
Many of the chapters in Revelation are prophetic and tell of things to come. Many of these prophecies are beyond me, and I often find myself at a loss regarding the interpretation of these prophetic words.
So, when you see in my devotionals that I am back in the Psalms or Proverbs, you can rest assured that the reading for the day is over my head. But I still read this book, it is still important.
Today we can see Jesus giving specific words to the churches that were major forces during the lifetime of the apostle John.
In Jesus' message to the church at Ephesus, the Lord starts with I know your works. He actually starts that way with all seven churches. I know your works. He knew what they were doing for Him and His Kingdom.
We must take notice of what Jesus calls out in the churches. He mentions things that are good and things that need to be improved.
The church at Ephesus did good things for Him. They worked hard, they persevered, and they did not put up with evil. They took on and exposed false teachers. They were a church that endured a great deal yet did not get tired and quit.
The one area Jesus called out was their lack of love, especially their first love. It may have been like the old adage: they were so busy in the work of the Lord that they forgot the Lord of the work.
In any case, Jesus charges them to repent and return to their love and respect for Him first. And this is a message we all need to hear. What we do for the Lord in our giving, serving, and outreaches, we do out of love for Him. Everything flows from that relationship. We do need to be about doing the work of the Lord. But we must remember who we are doing it for. Jesus’ message to the churches in John’s Day still apply to the church today.
PRAYER:
Dear Lord may I always remember that You are the reason I have new spiritual life and eternity to look forward to. What I do here on earth I purpose to do for You.