I have reached the end of the year, so my New Testament reading is in Revelation! For the most part, I don’t understand the book of prophecy, but I can relate to the accolades and warnings that the Lord gave to his early churches, and the message still applies to the churches and us today.
Revelation 2:1 ESV “Write this letter to the angel of the church in Ephesus. This is a message from the One who holds the seven stars in his right hand, the one who walks among the seven gold lamp stands.”
Revelation 2:2a ESV “I know all the things you do. I have seen your hard work and your patient endurance. I know you don’t tolerate evil people.
Revelation 2:3a ESV “You have patiently suffered for me without quitting.”
Revelation 2:4-5a ESV “But I have this complaint against you. You don’t love me or each other as you did at first. Look how far you have fallen! Turn back to me and do the works you did at first.”
Revelation 2:7 ESV “Anyone with ears to hear must listen to the spirit and understand what he is saying to the churches. To everyone who is victorious, I will give fruit from the tree of life in the paradise of God.”
Christianity was introduced in Ephesus by the Apostle Paul in the 1st century AD.
In time the church of Ephesus aligned itself with the powers of darkness and embraced the vile nature of corrupt politics. This period and place were during the Roman Empire, and they ruled the land and people with an iron fist! The further warning addresses the immoral decline of the church combined with the loss of passion and zeal for the Lord their God!
Anyone with ears must listen to the Spirit and understand what he is saying to the churches. We are that church and we need to listen.
His word tells us He sees us, our hard work, our patient endurance, and the daily choices regarding right and wrong, good and evil, those we should be spending time with, and those we shouldn’t.
When we speak up for Him and his way, especially when his ways aren’t the most popular choices. Choosing to be an example to the world rather than becoming part of it! Being looked at differently because of our walk with the Lord, possibly ridiculed, laughed at, sneered at, and joked about!
Our Lord sees it all, and we are credited and acclaimed for our love and perseverance, but what about the warning?
Turn back to me and do the works you did at first!
Do you still love with the same passion you had when you first fell in love with Jesus? Do you still long to be in his presence, his word, and his way? I am always in the Lord’s way; I am a pest; I talk to him all day long! He is truly my best friend! Do you love him like that? Do you desire to love him like that? Do you share your testimonies, his love, grace, favor, and mercy with others?
If your relationship has turned mundane, if your passion has cooled, your desire weakened, and your time spent with the Lord a quick thought here and a short prayer there; I would suggest some quiet time with the Lord asking him for a revival in your spirit and life!
Anyone with ears, let them hear!
Dear Lord,
We come before you, asking for a revival in our hearts and spirits! That we find ourselves in tune with you and your word! To seek your love, peace, joy, and favor! Lord our world is in a strange place and our government feels dark. Please help us discern what is true, what is right and what is your way, not the ways of this world. In your glorious name Lord Jesus I commit this prayer with thanksgiving for your teachings and warnings. Amen
Thank you for visiting Sunshine with me today…stay tuned tomorrow when we see the Church of Smyrna! Be blessed ❤️☀️🥰
Sunshine On My Shoulder 