What really matters?
Opening Prayer
Jesus, awaken my heart and let it burn with love that consumes all that is fading.
Read REVELATION 2:1–11
[1] “To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: These are the words of him who holds the seven stars in his right hand and walks among the seven golden lampstands. [2] I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance. I know that you cannot tolerate wicked people, that you have tested those who claim to be apostles but are not, and have found them false. [3] You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary. [4] Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken the love you had at first. [5] Consider how far you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first. If you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place. [6] But you have this in your favor: You hate the practices of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. [7] Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God. [8] “To the angel of the church in Smyrna write: These are the words of him who is the First and the Last, who died and came to life again. [9] I know your afflictions and your poverty-yet you are rich! I know about the slander of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. [10] Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you life as your victor’s crown. [11] Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. The one who is victorious will not be hurt at all by the second death. Scripture taken from the THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, NIV Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Reflect
What does Jesus value?Now, here’s an enigma at the heart of our faith. On the one hand, we know that the Lord appreciates our efforts to serve him. The Ephesians are praised for endurance and hard work. The Christians in Smyrna have suffered for their faith and God recognizes this. On the other hand, these human attributes are never anything to do with making ourselves right with God. He is so much higher and more holy than any church life—then or now—that comparison is hopeless. And yet Christians can enjoy a relationship with God. To do this, we need to understand that he sees things differently. Pleasing him is not about successful strategies. It seems that, at a previous time, the Ephesian church had attained a “height” (5) from which they have slipped—and this is not to do with achievements but to do with love. We may never fully grasp what that particular first love was like, but at least let’s understand that this love is what is important to God. Nor are the Christians of Smyrna given set targets. We are given no information about the size or accomplishments of their church. Their directions are simple: be faithful (10).
Apply
Open your journal. Ask God to speak to you about love and faithfulness in your life. Begin to dialog with the Lord.
Closing prayer
Lord, You ask for nothing less than my whole heart and devotion. Search me and make me wholly Yours.
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