My pastor has been preaching through the book of Revelation. We're still in the first few chapters where Jesus is commending and correcting the churches. While these letters were written to real churches in existence in John's lifetime, these letters are for all true churches throughout time. These letters are for us. For me.
In the letter to Ephesus, Jesus commends this church, but He also admonishes them that they have lost their first love. This could mean love for God, love for believers, and love for the lost. According to my pastor many commentators have different views as to which love. But who amongst us would dare say that we love God, believers, and the lost as we should? Who doesn't need to grow in all three areas?
My mind is still reeling from the election. My heart is also grieved for believers and unbelievers alike as we seem to more divided than ever. So my prayer for myself and for the church is that we would regain our first love.
- Love for God that causes us to repent of our idols and syncretism, to see the depth to which Christ condescended to save us. A love the leaves us humbled.
- Love for believers that causes us to be willing to listen, learn, and be challenged. A love that desires understanding and unity even though the way forward is not easy and not without repentance. A love that is faithful to God's word and compassionate towards one another. There is no dichotomy.
- Love for the lost. If anything, this election has demonstrated that people need Jesus.
May God have mercy and answer this prayer.
I know your works, your toil and your patient endurance, and how you cannot bear with those who are evil, but have tested those who call themselves apostles and are not, and found them to be false. I know you are enduring patiently and bearing up for my name's sake, and you have not grown weary. But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first. Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first. If not, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent. Revelation 2:2-5
Amen Persis, amen!
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