Revelations 2:1-7 is the letter to the Church in Ephesus. This passage is famous on the point of the Ephesians forsaking their first Love for the Lord. It's even entitled "The Loveless Church" from New King James Version. If you're like me I'm easily drawn to the Title's point in reading the passage.
This changed when my Pastor preached about this last Sunday.
Here's the passage from Revelations 2:1-7
The Loveless Church
1 “To the angel of the church of Ephesus write,
‘These things says He who holds the seven stars in His right hand, who walks in the midst of the seven golden lampstands: 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. 6 But this you have, that you hate the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.
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.”’
But here's the new revelation:
Did you notice verses 2 and 3? The first time I read this, I thought to myself this is just a "background" of what the Church of Ephesus was before they lost their first love. But actually, it also talks about God's nature and love towards the Church.
HE KNOWS!
Yes! You read it right! He knows! God said in verses 2 and 3 that HE knows their works, their labor, their patience, their perseverance and the many more good things they have done for Him!
What am I trying to say?
I'm saying GOD knows and GOD remembers everything we've done in the past for Him. He remembers our little act of kindness, our labor in the ministry, every tear we cried, every prayer we uttered, every step we took to visit a friend, every cent we gave to those who are need. Yes! Everything is accounted for. Every labor we've done has been written down and will never be in vain! 1 Cor. 15:58
And this even though just like the Ephesians, He's no longer our first love. He remembers the good even if we've failed him a lot of times already! He took notice FIRST of the good things before the bad.
That's how GOD is. He loves us so much that no matter how idolatrous and even though we always go and look for other "lovers", He remains to be the greatest lover. The lover who never forgets.
As a TL during coaching sessions, we are asked to start with recognition then the Areas for Improvement (weaknesses of the agents) and then end it with Recognition again so that agent leaves with a light and happy heart.
Now, notice what GOD said after the telling Ephesians they've lost their first love:
But this you have, that you hate the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. Rev. 2:6
Now I think that's just sweet. Isn't it?
Showing posts with label Revelation. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Revelation. Show all posts
Remember Not to Forget, Make Him Your First
Just a while ago, I had a fellowship with the Young Professionals Ministry of my Church. As Young Professionals just like everybody else we are really busy all the time (that's what we think) that sometimes we unintentionally forget the most important thing in Christian life. Sometimes we can't help but get so overwhelmed with our work or even with our ministry especially if we're aiming excellence and if we're running after a deadline. I am guilty of this at times and maybe you are too.
The Word of God that was preached during that fellowship was taken from Rev. 2:4,
Remember not to Forget the main reason why we're here. Make him your First!
God Bless you more!
The Word of God that was preached during that fellowship was taken from Rev. 2:4,
Revelation 2:4 (New International Version)
4Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken your FIRST LOVE.
Reflection:
This verse is a great reminder for everyone of us. Sometimes we get so stressed out from managing things, meeting deadlines, and working really hard that we can't even remember to pray and ask God for guidance. When we hit our beds, we can't even open our Bibles to read a verse or two because we're so tired and we need to sleep right away thinking that God would maybe understand. But let me show you the preceding verses before Revelation 2:4,
Revelation 2:2-3 (New International Version)
2I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance. I know that you cannot tolerate wicked men, that you have tested those who claim to be apostles but are not, and have found them false. 3You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary.
Examine how excellent these people are. They are hard working. They don't tolerate evil acts and they're persevering. What else can you look for? Everything is just so Ideal. But God even though knowing these great things they're doing has this to say:
4Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken your FIRST LOVE
How sad can this be?
For those who are working: we may get all the Salary Increase and all the Promotions and Accolades as rewards for our hard work and commitment to our work but have we maintained our Love Relationship with our God? Have we even remembered to pray, thank and praise Him?
For those who are committed to a ministry: beware of the saying, "Busy expanding the Kingdom but has forgotten the King". We may set up the most excellent programs, plans and events to do what we have been commissioned to do but if we forget to fellowship with the one we're working for, God is still not satisfied.
What is God telling us?
Remember not to Forget the main reason why we're here. Make him your First!
God Bless you more!
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