When Love Leaves but Work Remains

Revelation 2:1
Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write; These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks;

Jesus is speaking directly to His church.

Christ is not distant from His church.

Revelation 2:2
I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars:

Ephesus was a strong church outwardly.

They were right in doctrine and discipline.

Revelation 2:3
And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name's sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted.

They suffered for Christ and did not quit.

This was a serving, sacrificing, steadfast church.

Revelation 2:4
Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love.

Here is the real problem.

You can be busy, right, and active, yet still grow cold toward Christ.

Revelation 2:5
Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.

Jesus gives the correction.

A church can keep functioning and still lose its candlestick testimony.

Revelation 2:6
But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.

Jesus gives one more commendation.

Hatred of evil does not replace love for Christ.

Revelation 2:7
He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.

This is the call and the promise.

The goal is not just to be working and enduring. The goal is to love Jesus again.