Scripture: Revelation 2:4 – “But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first.” (NRSVue)
A few weeks ago, we finished our Bible study series on the Revelation to John. Most of the book is made up of symbolic visions of the future, but it does not start out that way. The earlier chapters deal with messages for seven different churches in Asia (modern Türkiye), focusing on present day issues of faith and endurance. And while we may not have to deal with marauding armies of locusts on a daily basis, we do have a lot in common with these ancient congregations.
The first letter is to the Church in Ephesus. Ephesus was one of the largest cities in the Roman Empire, and an early center of Christianity. And Jesus, speaking through the visions of John of Patmos, complements them on their faith. First, they are hardworking: “I know your works, your toil and your endurance.” They do the right things. They also know the right things and know when someone’s ideas do not pass muster. “I know that you cannot tolerate evildoers; you have tested those who claim to be apostles but are not and have found them to be false.” They keep up that good work, too. “I also know that you are enduring and bearing up for the sake of my name and that you have not grown weary.” Great! Ten out of ten, no notes, right?
Well, Jesus has something against this large and powerful church. They do not feel things the right way. The letter says, “But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first. Remember, then, from where you have fallen; repent and do the works you did at first. If not, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent.” In the symbolism of Revelation, the lampstand represents the church itself, and the light it shines out to the world. Without that early love, the church cannot shine, even if it works hard and knows what to think.
This is something that comes up from time to time in the mainline/evangelical debates. The mainline churches tend to know their theology. Their clergy are highly educated and go through a rigorous process to achieve ordination. Mainline churches are called to serve and excel at charity and community organizing. Like the church in Ephesus, they do and know the right things.
But while many mainliners chuckle at evangelicals for the literalism of their hermeneutics and inward-facing nature of their role in society, it is hard to argue with their passion. This is a passion that springs up in worship, in spreading the word, in bringing people into the faith to be part of something. Before people can understand Jesus or serve Jesus, they need to love Jesus. And this is something we need to remember, especially if we disagree with some of the ways in which they understand and live out their faith.
Jesus asks Ephesus, “Where is the love?” And we need to ask ourselves the same questions. When you pray, do you feel the love of God? When you worship, is your heart on fire with the love of the Holy Spirit? When you think about Easter, do you ponder how the resurrection might be possible or do you feel the love of Jesus who earned a victory over evil just for you? If the answer is no, there may be a problem. The light we shine in the world may not be bright enough. We need a way to feed the fire of our lampstands through prayer, worship, and just sharing love with one another. Without it, we can get burned out and unable to serve the way we think we should.
Tomorrow I am heading off to Indianapolis for the UCC General Synod. There is a lot of work to be done. There will be marches for justice. There will be calls for prophetic witness. There will be speakers who will inform us about the challenges of our world and the inadequacies of our understandings. But most of all, there will be love. Worship. Reunion. Joy in the presence of people who love God more than anything else in their lives. Even though Synod can be “a lot”, I always feel refreshed. When you feel that love in your life, all the other stuff, as important as it is, falls into place. Spend a few minutes each day this week trying to rekindle that old love.
Prayer: Lord, help me remember my first love for you in all I say and all I do. Amen.
Comments