Key Verse: “But I have this against you: You have abandoned the love you had at first. Remember then how far you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first. Otherwise, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent.” (Revelation 2:4-5 CSB)
It’s possible to be doing all the right things, but still be in the wrong. This appears to be the case with the church in Ephesus, the first of the seven churches in Asia Minor (modern day Turkey) to whom Jesus speaks in the book of Revelation.
Evidently, the believers in Ephesus were doing a lot of good things. Jesus acknowledges this and commends them for it. “I know your works, your labor and your endurance,” He said, “and that you cannot tolerate evil people” (v.2). In their case, they were working hard and persevering in dealing with the false and evil teaching that was threatening the purity of the gospel in their midst. This was to be commended. Evidently, the people had taken to heart Paul’s words to them when he said, “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared ahead of time for us to do” (Ephesians 2:10).
But there was a problem. Though they were doing what was right, there was still something wrong. “But I have this against you,” Jesus said. These are not words you want to hear from Jesus! The problem was that, despite all their good works, they had “abandoned the love” that had at first. They had forsaken or ceased in the love they once had for God and the overflow of that love towards others. In their fight for orthodoxy and sound doctrine, their love had dwindled and they ceased to be a loving church.
Why was it such a problem? The Apostle Paul wrote, “If I understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have faith so that I can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing” (1 Corinthians 13:2). A faith that is devoid of love is worthless.
So what is the solution? Jesus tells the Ephesians believers to “repent and do the works you did at first” (v.5). They needed a change in direction. Change for them didn’t mean abandoning their pursuit of sound doctrine, and guarding against or resisting the false teachers in their midst. Rather, it meant returning to the priority and centrality of love in their lives. Above all else, they needed to love God with all their heart and from the overflow of that love those around them.
This is a good word that is still relevant for us centuries later. It is easy to get caught up in kingdom work at the expense of our love for God and for others. Guarding sound doctrine is critical. Sharing the good news of Jesus with others is essential. Caring for and serving “the least of these” is not optional. But if it doesn’t flow from a heart that has been consumed with the love of God, we are missing the mark. We are right, but still wrong.
Prayerfully ask this question: To what extent have you abandoned the love you had at first for God? Would Jesus identify this as something He has against you right now? If so, today is the day to turn and repent and do the works you did at first. Invite God to help you do that today.
Prayer: Jesus, I don’t want the work that you have called me to do to drown out my love for you and those around me. Forgive me for how this has already happened. I turn to you today and ask you by your Spirit to restore a fresh love for God and others in my heart. Amen.
Author: Jonathan Miller has served in pastoral roles for more than 13 years in churches in Barrie, Oakville and Burlington, Ontario. He currently serves as the Chief Operating Officer at Prison Fellowship Canada, a ministry that mobilizes and equips local churches to engage in the restorative work of prisoners, ex-prisoners, their families, and victims across Canada. Jon holds degrees from McMaster University and Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. He and his wife Adrienne have been married since 2004, and live in Burlington, Ontario with their 4 children. Jon’s greatest passion is to know Jesus and to see lives transformed by Him and for Him.
