Verse: But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first Rev 2:4

Study: The meaning of the word Ephesus is desirable, this was the church where Paul stayed 3 years, scholars believe Timothy pastored and even John served there. Jesus himself in His message to Ephesus commends them – “‘I know your works, your toil, and your patient endurance, and how you cannot bear with those who are evil but have tested those who call themselves apostles and are not and found them to be false Rev 2:2

This church is excellent, Jesus again said I know you are enduring patiently and bearing up for my name’s sake, and you have not grown weary. Rev 2:3

 Jesus was introduced to the church this way – To the angel of the church in Ephesus writes: ‘The words of him who holds the seven stars in his right hand, who walks among the seven golden lampstands. Rev 2:1

Failure: With all this great work, endurance, patience, discernment, and not getting weird, Jesus says – He has this against them – that you have abandoned the love you had at first. Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the works you did at first. Rev 2:4-5

It is so tough to comprehend what happened to this church, I believe ministry overtook the relationship they had with Jesus. The success and fruitfulness of the church might have led this to focus on the church’s growth and they stopped doing what they started, that is to love Jesus. When we all came to Jesus we just wanted one thing, forgiveness, hearing the voice of the Lord, prayer, and worship, how did we abandon the basics, our master taught parables to everyone. 

How did we end up serving the Lord using the strategies of the world, sophisticated music, highly intellectual apologetic interactions, and we are convinced all these are needed. Where is a simple message, simple living together?

Warning: Jesus gave them a very strong warning – If not, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place unless you repent. Rev 2:5

Encouragement: Jesus ends the message to Ephesus with a word of encouragement, what a loving savior – Yet this you have: you hate the works of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who conquers I will grant to eat of the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.’ Rev 2:6-7