Losing our first love; the message to the church in Ephesus

"But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first."-Revelation 2:4 ESV

This letter is addressed to the angel, or messenger, or the church at Ephesus, which is probably a reference to the pastor or elders of the church. Unlike today, in the first century church the Bible was read in community, so it could be discussed and properly understood. I believe the church of today would do well to return to this practice. We do glean from God's word any time it is opened and read, but together we can answer questions and learn together which is often much more effective than going it alone.

Ephesus was the most prominent city in Roman Asia Minor, serving as a religious and commercial center for that part of the world. It was home to one of the seven wonders of the world, the temple of Diana, a Greek/Roman goddess. The temple was able to seat 24, 000 people and was a center of immorality which included a bank and an art gallery. Great revenue was derived from the sale of statues of Diana.

The Church in Ephesus was established by the Apostle Paul on his second missionary journey, and he would later spend three years there. The letter which we know as Ephesians was written by Paul to Christians in the city. Later Paul established Timothy as the pastor of the church, and the two letters written to Timothy from Paul were received by him while he was there. It is also likely, that John the Apostle became leader of the church following Timothy's ministry. The point is that the church at Ephesus was not lacking in quality leadership.

The message to the church begins in Revelation 2:1 and concludes in verse seven. The challenge to the church is a challenge to us as well. "Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left your first love. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works, or else I will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent."(Revelation 2:4-5 KJV) This church in spite of the good qualities and leadership it possessed was in danger of losing their place of influence because they had abandoned their first love. They were commanded to remember their former place of dedication, repent of their present place of apathy, and repeat the works they did in the beginning when their love for God was em passioned.

We would all do well to take a lesson from the Ephesians and ignite the passion for Christ in are lives afresh and anew.