We are never nearer Christ than when we find ourselves lost in a holy amazement at His unspeakable love. – John Owen

Nevertheless I have [this] against you, that you have left your first love. “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.

Revelation 2:4-5, NKJV

I don’t think that anything is sadder than when two people who used to be so in love can’t seem to agree on anything anymore. I’ve worked with people to save their marriages. I’ve been on my face before God praying for couples who couldn’t seem to make things work out. I’ve interviewed numerous husbands and wives who seem like they aren’t “in love” anymore. It’s heartbreaking.

A common thread that runs through couples in this condition is simply this. They stopped worrying about what would make their spouse happy and started complaining that their spouse seldom did anything to make them happy. They had stopped delighting in delighting their spouse.

How sad is this commentary on a prestigious first-century church? Ephesus had been a hotbed of activity. The church had turned the city upside down. The first converts burned all their magic books, the silversmith idol trade was about to collapse, and the gospel was going out to the surrounding countryside! This church boasted that it had the Apostle Paul as a pastor, and later his young protege, Timothy. They also possibly had the Apostle Peter as a pastor for a while, and then of course the Apostle John. This church seemed to have it all. Their doctrine was in order… but their heart wasn’t.

Before we are too hard on the church at Ephesus, we have to note that many churches today have left their first love. They have forgotten what it is to serve Jesus and so they end up serving themselves. They turn on each other and split hairs over meeting times, what to wear to church, music preferences, the version of the bible to read, and even decorations… When a church loses sight of loving and serving Jesus it won’t be long before it’s in decline.

Churches are made up of people. When a whole church heads this way it’s often not the work of one individual. This lack of fervor/ love is noted by the lack of desire to do the things that a church in love with Jesus does. If we want to see revival, we must examine our own hearts. “Dear Jesus, have I let my love of you grow cold? Am I more worried about my will that I’ve stopped looking for your will? Am I more interested in complaining than coming to you?” Let’s examine our hearts today. We don’t want to be those who have all the right things but harbor the wrong loves.

Father, Your word is true and good. I am grateful for how you love me. I am grateful for all the influences you have placed in my life. I am blessed to have so many resources and people to help me understand and apply your word. These study bibles, devotionals, sermons, and podcasts are all helpful in getting to know you, but help me not to lose sight of you in all the fray of things. Let my heart and motives always be pure. Let my heart be satisfied in you alone today. May you be glorified in my life. In Jesus Name, Amen.