34
REVELATION 2
THE REBUKE (2:4)
2:4
But I have this against you: You have departed from your first love! 2:4 The zeal of the Ephesians and their commitment to purity perhaps gave them a sense of pride of accomplishment, legalism and false spirituality that blinded them such that they “departed” (aphiemi, “send away, divorce, forsake, give up”) their “first love.” The verb stresses an act for which they are responsible. At one time they were characterized by their love (Eph 1:15) thirty years earlier. Sadly, this is a typical fatal flaw of second-generation Christians. Christ still had their hands (exhausting labor), their heads (pure doctrine), but not their hearts (devotion to Christ and selfless motivation to give of one’s self for others). Like Martha (Luke 10:38-42) they were so busy working for Christ that they had not time or passion to love or worship Him. They were evidently serving for selfish motives or approval of men. Reflection: Were they serving for personal benefit, reputation, fame or pride of being the best? Could this be a symptom of second or third generation Christians?
Reflection: Israel fell into the same trap with later generations. See Jer 2:2-13 and Ezek 16:8-15 for how their superficial religiosity hurt their God.
THE EXHORTATION (2:5-6)
2:5
Therefore, remember from what high state you have fallen and repent! Do the deeds you did at the first; if not, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place– that is, if you do not repent. Three things would be needed: 2:5a Remember. The mind-games or thought-patterns that creep into our consciousness must constantly be challenged by the reality of the Word of God. It is too easy to deceive ourselves into believing we are much better or more spiritual than we really are. The Ephesians were to “remember” (present imperative thus, “keep on remembering, reflecting, recalling the past”), when they, as a church and as individuals, were passionate about pleasing the Lord Jesus alone. The description, “have fallen,” is a perfect tense meaning a completed action with continuing results, thus a state of being, not a process.