Revelation 2:1-7
By: Alexander Rico
“To the angel of the church of Ephesus write, ‘These things say 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 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 left your first love. Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come quickly and remove your lampstand from its place—unless you repent. But this you have, that you hate the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. He who has an ear let him hear what the spirit is saying to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give to eat from the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.” (Revelation 2:1-7, NKJV)
We read here in the revelation given to John about a church, a church that had been very active in their works, tied up so much that they forgot their true love. They had forgotten about their devotion to Christ.
When I read this passage, I see how much it can apply to our lives today. Are there not times when we become so wrapped up into doing all we can for the Lord that we can at the same time loose our devotion, and our focus from Christ?
I can openly admit that there have been times like this in my life personally. I get so involved, and so active in the work that I do for my church, or even ministries, that I forget about my regular, daily devotions with Christ.
We see it all over the place. Churches actively out into the communities serving the Lord, but lacking the devotion, and the study of God’s word. It’s very sad, yet, all too common.
I can remember back to when I was first dating. I was so tied up into the motions of a relationship that we grew slowly apart. And, before I knew it, we were completely broken off from each other.
As Christ had told this church there in Ephesus in Revelation 2:1-7, “I know your works, 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.” He was commending the fact that they were active; however, he saw that these things overshadowed their devotions with Him, and so, he lovingly pointed out this church’s fault. “Nevertheless I have this against you, that you left your first love.” (Revelation 2:4)
Just as my ex-girlfriend had tried to do with me, see, she tried several times to get my attention, trying to tell me that I did not need to do everything precisely as everyone else did, but to love her. However, I did not listen, and thus, our relationship ended.
As can our relationship with Christ. If we continue to travel down the pathway of works, and loosing our true relationship with our heavenly father, just as Christ had warned this church, we can have our light taken away, and loose our ability to touch lives.
My pastor, Dennis Davenport, laid out nicely how we can re-kindle that relationship with Christ; and, I wish to share this with you in closing. There are two main steps he gave, the first being to remember your relationship and devotion with Christ when you were first saved. Do you remember how you felt when you first accepted Christ as your personal Lord and Savior? How you were actively seeking his face, more than, you were actively seeking other things?
I can, I remember walking out of that Sunday service back in November of 2001; and, feeling ignited to learn, and study more about my father in heaven. I desired to hear from him daily, and to talk with him daily.
Recall those memories, and remember them forever, start anew as you had then. Secondly, and finally, confess that you have turned away from that way, and repent from it. Get back on the right track; start studying again, and praying again. Spend time with God daily, for remember, if it does not happen (Revelation 2:5), he will remove your lampstand, or light upon the world.
May you all be blessed as you continue to search, and know your father in heaven. Remember; spend time with Him, more than doing works. Why? Well, for we are not saved by works, but through our relationship with Him.
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