“To the angel of the church of Ephesus…” – Revelation 2:1
In Revelation 2:1–7, Jesus speaks directly to the church of Ephesus, a congregation known for its hard work, discernment, and perseverance. He commends them: “I know your works, your labor, your patience… and you have persevered and have patience, and have labored for My name’s sake and have not become weary” (Revelation 2:2–3, NKJV). This was a church that stood strong against false teaching and didn’t tolerate evil. But then comes the piercing rebuke: “Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love” (v.4). They were busy for Christ, but their hearts had drifted. The fire of devotion had cooled into routine. They hadn’t lost love—they had left it.
Jesus doesn’t leave them in condemnation—He calls them to remember, repent, and return. “Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works” (v.5). It’s a call to go back to the beginning, to the place where love was fresh and obedience was joyful. Like a marriage that’s grown distant, the solution isn’t more duty—it’s renewed affection. Think of Martha, busy serving while Mary sat at Jesus’ feet. Martha wasn’t wrong to serve, but she missed the better part—being with Him. The Ephesian church had become Martha-like: active, but distracted from intimacy. Jesus wanted their hearts, not just their hands.
So where are you today? Has your walk with Christ become more about performance than passion? Do you remember the days when you couldn’t wait to open your Bible, when worship stirred your soul, when prayer felt like breathing? Jesus is calling you back—not to guilt, but to grace. Return to your first love. Rekindle the flame. Let your service flow from affection, not obligation. The One who walks among the lampstands is still near, still speaking, still inviting. Don’t settle for cold religion when Christ offers warm relationship. Come back to the better part. Come back to Him.
“If you’re struggling today, you can probably sympathize a bit with the church in Ephesus… They were doing good things, but they had lost their passion. They had left their first love.” — Will Graham
surrendered devotions 