When I was in college, I enjoyed visiting an expansive nearby park. I enjoyed getting away from the busyness of the city and dorm life to a quiet place, filled with vividly colored plants and flowers, fresh outdoor scents, and the warmth of the sun. But as time went on, my visits became less frequent as life got busier. Ironically, the more demanding and hectic my schedule--when I most needed a place and time to refocus, refresh, and pause--the less I tended to visit. While my memories of that park were still beautiful, they didn't stir the same excitement as being there.
Scripture: Revelation 2:1-7
Just as we can allow the busyness of life to distract us from places, people, and activities we love and enjoy, we can experience that with our First Love: Jesus! When we first come to faith, it is vibrant and thrilling, but sometimes we drift away because of the demands of the daily grind, the distractions of entertainment and pleasure, or the disobedience of our sinful nature. Our devotion to Christ wanes. In Revelation 2, Jesus commends the church in Ephesus for their deeds and perseverance but points out a critical flaw: they have abandoned their First Love. As believers, we are called to remember the fervor of our first encounter with Christ.
When you first came to faith, there might have been a zeal that colored every aspect of your life with excitement and purpose. Jesus calls the Ephesians—and us—to recapture that early enthusiasm. Married couples can allow the routines or stresses of life weaken their passion for each other. It takes intentionality and work to keep the spark going in a marriage, to not let things become stale or stagnant. Often couples chose to renew their vows to rekindle their commitment when that happens. The same is true in our walk with Jesus. There are times we need to evaluate our relationship with Him and renew our vow to follow Jesus and love Him with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength.
Reflection Questions:
Can you identify a moment when your relationship with Christ felt most alive? What made it feel that way?
What steps can you take to remember and renew an earlier commitment to Jesus or renew a fervor for the Lord you once had?
How can your church help you maintain that fervor in your daily walk with Jesus?
Prayer Prompt: Dear God, remind us of the fire we had at first for You. Help us to not only recall our first love but to live it out every day, that our lives might be a testament to the joy and love only found in You.
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