Devotion

Remember acid-washed jeans? Back in 1986, they were the pinnacle of cool. Having a pair was a must. I look at them today, and that passion is completely gone. What was once a "love" has faded into a quirky memory. We've all had experiences like this—a favorite band whose music now feels dated, a hobby that no longer holds our interest, a fashion trend that makes us cringe. Most of the time, when these loves fade, it doesn't really matter. But what happens when the love that fades is the most important one of all? What happens when our passion for God begins to cool?

The church in Ephesus, a bustling hub of early Christianity, received a divine performance review that speaks directly to this danger. In the book of Revelation, Jesus addresses them through the Apostle John, and he starts with high praise.

Right Actions, Right Beliefs

Jesus begins his message, "I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance. I know that you cannot tolerate wicked people, that you have tested those who claim to be apostles but are not, and have found them false ... You have persevered ... and have not grown weary ... you hate the practices of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate" (Revelation 2:2-3, 6).

This was a five-star church on paper. Their conduct and their convictions were spot-on. They worked hard, likely engaging in the radical charity the early church was known for—caring for the poor, the sick, and the marginalized because they believed every person was made in God's image. They had incredible doctrinal integrity. In a culture saturated with compromise, they stood firm. They tested teachings, identified false apostles, and rejected the Nicolaitans, a group that tried to blend pagan culture’s idolatry and immorality with Christian faith.

They were doing everything right. They were busy, discerning, and doctrinally sound. They were the kind of Christians who studied the Scriptures, held leaders accountable, and refused to bend to social pressure. By all external measures, they were a model church. But a perfect resume can hide a heart problem.

The One Thing Missing

Amidst all the commendation, Jesus delivers a devastating critique: "Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken the love you had at first" (Revelation 2:4).

All their right conduct and correct convictions were annulled by one critical failure: they had lost their love. This wasn't about sentimental feelings; it was about the core of their devotion. Think of it like a marriage where a couple still manages the household, pays the bills, and raises the children, but the intimacy, affection, and passion that started it all have vanished. The duties remain, but the delight is gone.

Scholars debate what this "first love" specifically refers to. Was it their love for God? Had their worship become a perfunctory routine and their service a joyless obligation? Or was it their love for one another? Had their zeal for doctrinal purity made them harsh, critical, and cold towards their brothers and sisters in Christ? The most likely answer is both. A fading love for God inevitably leads to a fading love for his people. Our vertical relationship with God directly impacts our horizontal relationships with others. As the theologian John Stott wisely said, "The church has no light without love. Only when its love burns can its light shine.” The Ephesians had a perfectly constructed lampstand, but the flame was dying out.

The Path to Renewal

Jesus doesn't just diagnose the problem; he provides a three-step prescription for renewal. "Consider how far you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first" (Revelation 2:5).

1. Remember (Consider): The first step is to look back. Remember the passion, the joy, and the simple devotion that marked the beginning of your faith. Acknowledge the gap between then and now. Honesty is the starting point for restoration.
2. Repent: This is more than just feeling sorry. It’s a decisive change of mind that leads to a change of direction. It’s turning away from the path of loveless duty and intentionally turning back toward God as the source and object of your affection.
3. Return (Do): Go back to the practices that fanned the flame of your love in the first place. Was it spending unhurried time in his Word? Was it heartfelt prayer? Was it joyful fellowship with other believers? It's about re-engaging in the foundational habits of faith, not as items on a checklist, but as ways to connect with the God you love.

The warning is severe: if they refuse, Jesus will "remove their lampstand." Their influence, their identity as a church, would be extinguished. A church without love is no church at all. But for those who listen and overcome, the promise is glorious: the right to eat from the tree of life in the paradise of God.

Reflection

Let the message to Ephesus be a message to us. It’s a call to check the spiritual temperature of our own hearts. It's easy to get so busy doing things for God that we forget to simply be with God. It's possible to be so right in our beliefs that we become unloving in our behavior. Let's ask ourselves the hard questions and allow the Spirit to guide us back to our first love.

• What would look different in my life if I experienced a spiritual “reset” and loved God with my whole heart as if I were just starting my relationship with him?
• What are the distractions and temptations that keep me from a wholehearted love of God?
• What do I need to add to my life to excite my walk with God?
• What do I need to remove from my life to deepen my walk with God?

PRAYER

Heavenly Father, we confess that it's easy to lose our first love and let our faith become a list of duties. Forgive us for the times we have prioritized actions over affection. Rekindle in us a love for God and for others that is vibrant and unwavering. In Jesus's name, amen.

Bill Search
OKC Location Pastor

Resources

• Watch the Are You an Admirer or a Follower of Jesus? by Senior Pastor Marty Grubbs.
• Listen to First Love by Kari Jobe.

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