Learn how three keys to spiritual devotion can unlock a new level in your relationship with Jesus today.
“We are here to love. Not much else matters.” Francis Chan
The book of Revelation identifies itself as apocalyptic literature. The word “apocalypse” comes from a Greek word meaning “disclosure, unveiling or revelation.” Likely written in the mid-90s AD, Revelation unveils the true nature of spiritual forces operating in history: A behind-the-scenes look at the unseen spiritual war in the cosmos.
The book proclaims Jesus Christ as its divine author even though the Apostle John wrote it while in exile on the isolated island of Patmos. This text is a prophecy that Jesus wrote to His church. It warns us, challenges us and encourages us to stay faithful within an increasingly hostile world.
“To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: These are the words of him who holds the seven stars in his right hand and walks among the seven golden lampstands. 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 endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary. Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken the love you had at first."
"Consider how far you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first. If you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place. But you have this in your favor: You hate the practices of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God." Revelation 2:1-7
Recently, we’ve been exploring how we can practically grow in faith. Through contemplating scripture, we’ve discovered resilient faith develops and deepens through relational connection with God. As we know Christ, we trust Him. This prophetic text from Revelation gives us an unveiled look into the spiritual realm by reflecting on Jesus’ messages to seven ancient churches and unpacking how they apply to us. Today’s passage spotlights the church in Ephesus. Consider your favorite “maps” app. Are you thankful for it? Modern sat-navs utilize live traffic data to help you discover the ideal route. As you’re driving, roads ahead turn red as congestion approaches. It’s a warning system. Have you ever pondered, though, why your Satnav does that for you? Is it to mock you about the delays ahead? Or to make you feel guilty about your journey? Of course not! The sat-nav warns you so you can adjust your route and avoid the pain. That’s what warnings are for.
When Jesus gives us warnings, we should treat them similarly. Some of Revelation’s content is difficult. Yet it’s not there to cause despair. It’s there to trigger changes in direction. As Jesus addresses the Ephesians, He shares a commendation and a challenge. On the plus side, they were solid, hard-working Gospel people who never compromised on the truth—an example for us all. Jesus praises their faithful endurance. However, Jesus also has a stern caution. Despite their works, the Ephesian Christians had fundamentally forgotten their core identity. They had abandoned love. The church had lost zeal for Jesus and consequently wasn’t operating with the life-giving love God’s people should be defined by. They were going through the motions. Have you ever felt like that?
Like the sat-nav, Jesus warns the church to cause them to change route. He wanted the best for them. He wanted them eating “from the tree of life," not tasteless religion. It wasn’t too late! Equally, it’s not too late for us today. Nothing we do “for” Jesus makes sense without love. God is love. When love vanishes, everything else is vanity. Our spiritual life becomes arid. Even supposedly “impressive” works achieve little where love is absent. We become like “a clanging cymbal” (1 Corinthians 13:1). God is interested in our hearts, not our achievements.
How, though, do we get our spark back? Jesus tells us. Return to your first love. Simply be with Christ. Right now. Find the reset button. This is our first key to spiritual devotion. Go back to the basics. Remember when you first met God? Remember His blessings. Remind yourself of His miracles. As you fall back in love with Jesus, everything else follows. What does it mean for you to “remember your first love” today? Here are three keys to spiritual devotion that can help you today:
“Dear God, thank you for your unwavering love for me. I reaffirmed my love for you today. I’m sorry for when I’ve not lived from a place of love. Today, I remember that I’m loved and that I’m called to share your love with others. Help me proactively find ways to love those around me. May I live each moment in loving relational connection with you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.”
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