By F. D. Adkins
This past week, I have begun studying the book of Revelation. I am moving slowly in this study because I do not want to just read it. I want to break it down and understand as much as I possibly can. Revelation 1:3 says, “Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand” (KJV). So, I have decided not only to read the words to myself but to read them aloud allowing myself to hear the words also.
In the first part of Revelation 2, Jesus addresses the church of Ephesus. He commends their good works and their stance against evil.
- “I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars.” Revelation 2:2 KJV
But after opening with affirmation, he goes on to warn them of their weakness. Jesus says that even though they are doing good works and standing strong in their faith, they have left their first love.
- “Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love.” Revelation 2:4 KJV
In other words, they do not have that same energy and fire in their hearts that they once had. It is as if they are doing good works because they are supposed to and not because they want to.
For example, have you ever known someone who had a dream of going into a certain career field… let’s say a doctor. This person wants to help people and make a difference. This person wants to find cures for diseases and help people live the most fulfilling lives possible. So, this person goes to school, studies hard, and during the first few years, he or she leaps from bed each morning with a passion to change the world through healthcare. But then, the vigor dies, the snooze button gets a few more taps each morning, and the day at the office seeing patients becomes a routine.
Friends, I pray that we will not let our Bible studies, our time with God, and our good works be set on autopilot. I pray that we do not just go through the motions, but that we do all of these things because our hearts are on fire with the love of Jesus.
