Tuesday, February 14, 2023

Ephesus: The Loveless Church

“I KNOW your works, your labor, your [b]patience, and that you cannot [c]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. 7 “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says 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: 2-4,7

Ephesus was located at a major harbor on the Aegean Sea and housed one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, a temple to Artemis. This was the most prominent church in Asia Minor. Ephesus is known as the “loveless church.” John acknowledges this church’s works, its labor, and its patience. Within this church were hard workers. They are commended for their efforts for Christ’s sake. The church did not tolerate evil. Those are wonderful attributes, but Ephesus was scolded. No doubt they were excited about their relationship with Christ in the beginning, but after a while, those feelings waned. So, while they looked as if they had it all together, they didn’t. They left their first love. Their fire and enthusiasm had cooled.

Questions: Are you a hard “church worker?” Where do you stand with your first love? Is your love still based on repentance, obedience, service, and suffering? Or does your love for God need to be rekindled? God knows!

PRAYER: Father, I always want to be about your business. I always want to serve you with my hands and my feet. At the same time though, I never want to forget that you are my first love. Never do I want my fire and enthusiasm to cool. In the name of Jesus, I pray and give you praise. Amen