I was surprised a couple of weeks ago when I recognized that it was only approximately thirty years after the resurrection of Jesus that the message to John from the Lord for the church in Ephesus, “Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love.” (Rev 2:4). I started thinking over my life time and the things I have been blessed to see and be involved in. The first was the “Jesus movement” of the sixties and then the “Charismatic” revival of the seventies, followed by the “Word Faith” explosion of the eighties.
I remember during those years experiencing and witnessing large groups of people so excited, changed, and touched by the Lord that seeking God, knowing His Word, getting together with other believers, and being used by the Lord to minister to others consumed their lives. People were not complaining about going to church once a week or giving of their time, talent, and finances. They couldn’t be at church enough, give enough, minister enough, or get together enough. There was such an anticipation, expectation, and excitement for God’s presence that people rearranged their schedules and lives to “get more of God.”
Please don’t misunderstand and think I have written this article to bring condemnation. I recognize that no one can run full speed all the time without crashing. Even Jesus stopped and rested. I am however, putting out the call for us to evaluate our calling and mission as followers of Jesus Christ in honestly asking ourselves, does the fire of the Holy Spirit still burn hot within me? Is my love for the Lord evident and obvious or has something happened that has made it ordinary instead of extraordinary? Sometimes this just happens over time. We become more engaged with family needs, jobs, careers, college, retirement and others that begin to place added demands on us. After a while, we look up and see that we have traveled quite a distance without paying much attention. Maybe this was the church in Ephesus. After thirty years things had become ordinary. They weren’t overtly in sin.
The angel told them, “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; and you have persevered and have patience, and have labored for My name’s sake and have not become weary.” (Rev.2:2-3). When you look this list over it really isn’t a bad list of things they were doing, but, they lacked something very important, “first love.” The angel of Revelation tells John, “repent and do the first works” (Rev 2:5). In other words, change or realign your thinking back to your first love, Jesus. Make sure your priorities are in the right place and make the necessary changes if they aren’t.
It has been well said that, “if you’re too busy to spend time with the Lord; you’re just too busy.” The apostle Paul reminded Timothy to, “stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands.” (2 Tim 1:6). Remind yourself of the greatness of the Lord. Return your attention and affection to the Lord. Stir up what is within you. The same God of the Old and New Testament, the Lord of the 1960’s, 1970’s, and 1980’s is still the God of today. Revival has never left, it resides within every believer. God’s Word and His promises have not stopped. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. (Heb.13:8).
The gift and callings of the Lord are without repentance. (Rom.11:29) God still believes in you and has called you. Stir up the gift of God which is in you. Begin to speak the blessings of God upon your life, family, and church. Sing praises to the Lord. O magnify the Lord. Release revival from your life, this is your time. Rekindle your first love and let it burn hot and bright.
