WHEN LOVE GROWS COLD

Sir,

In Revelation 2:1, Jesus is pictured holding the seven stars and walking among the lamp stands as He addresses the church at Ephesus.
Ephesus was a city on the western coast of Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey).

The city was famous for its temple of Diana (Acts 19:27), and pilgrims came to Ephesus from all over the Mediterranean world to worship the goddess. The temple was counted among the seven wonders of the ancient world, however, the temple was later destroyed in AD 263.
Prophetically, Ephesus represents the early Christian church, the time period from the formation of the church in AD 31 to about AD 100 when all the firsthand witnesses to Christ’s life and work had passed on. The environment of the early Christian church was hostile. The servants of Christ were sent forth as sheep in the midst of wolves (Matt. 10:16), charged with the greatest responsibility ever entrusted on men.

The name Ephesus means ‘desirable’. There was much that was commendable about the Christian church in Ephesus. Jesus affirms the Ephesians’ positive actions: “I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance. I know that you cannot tolerate wicked men, that you have tested those who claim to be apostles but are not, and have found them false. You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary,” (Revelation 2:2-3).
However, by the time John wrote the book of Revelation, the first stages of disunity were creeping into the church, provoking the admonition; “Nevertheless, I have somewhat against you, because you have left your first love,” (Revelation 2:4).They were hard working, but they no longer had the same passion for Christ as when they first believed. Their work was no longer motivated by love.

Jesus adds another commendation: “But you have this in your favour; you hate the practices of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate,” (Revelation 2:6). The Nicolaitans promoted fornication and a compromising position on eating food sacrificed to idols, leading many to a carnal lifestyle.

Like the Ephesian church, we can easily lose our first love for both Christ and our fellow human beings. Like the Nicolaitans, some church leaders may teach others to disregard the law of God.
However Jesus, the same yesterday, today and tomorrow is still saying: “If you love me keep my commandments,” (John 14:15).

Do you still love Jesus the same way you used to when you first believed; do you still have the same love for your partner just like the day you got married?
Do you still have the same love for your parent or your child; do you still have the same love for your friends and relatives? If not, Christ is giving us the same admonition. Consider where you have fallen and repent.

Bopoto Gwinyai (7663 8191)

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