Thursday, April 16, 2009
First Things First
(Revelation 2)
The church at Ephesus had, by the close of the first century, a distinguished history. Paul himself spent three years in Ephesus (Acts 20:31), preaching and establishing the believers in their faith. He later wrote his now-famous Epistle to the Ephesians to this beloved body of believers. As a church, their Apostolic pedigree was beyond reproach, their doctrine was pristine, and their labor—often in the face of opposition—was unceasing.
In spite of its greatness, the church at Ephesus was in need of genuine revival. You see, though they continued to thrive in their community, something was missing. In Revelation 2, Jesus indicates that they had left their “first love,” though they continued to prosper outwardly. The “first love” was so important that its neglect periled the very existence of the church (2:5).
Commentators differ as to exactly what the “first love” means. The believers at Ephesus, however, knew. If you think about it for a minute, you know too. First love refers to the emotion, excitement, devotion, and attention showered upon a new relationship. First love is joy, warmth, closeness, and commitment. First love values the object of its affection above all else.
Have we, like the Ephesians, left our passionate, first love for Christ? Do we regard our indifference as spiritual maturity? If so, we need to repent, return, and revive—do the “first works” that reignite our passionate love for Jesus. Such is the essence of genuine revival.
