Revelation 2:1 - Write to the angel of the church in Ephesus: Thus says the one who holds the seven stars in his right hand and who walks among the seven golden lampstands
Jesus’ message to this first century church in Ephesus shares some important truths about His relationship to the church and His call of the church. Jesus is identified as “the one who holds the seven stars in his right hand” and also as the one “who walks among the seven golden lampstands.” The seven stars are the seven angels to whom the seven letters in Revelation chapters 2 and 3 are addressed and the seven lampstands are the seven churches (Revelation 1:20). Thus, Jesus communicates that He both holds authority over the entire leadership of all the churches (heavenly and earthly) and His presence dwells amongst His churches.
Jesus’ charge against the church at Ephesus in Revelation 2:1-7 is that they are working hard, they were defending the faith, but they had forgotten about Jesus. It’s easy to get distracted with working for the LORD and forget about the LORD, Himself. This is why so many believers can mistreat others and take others for granted for the sake of getting things done or being right. Notice, Jesus didn’t say they had forgotten their “Only Love” but rather their “First Love.”
Jesus called this church to repent and return to the things they did at first. He characterizes their first works as those in which He was first and primary. Jesus condemned their current works because He was not their First Love anymore. Thus, our works are inconsequential unless Jesus is our First Love. As our First Love, Jesus is to be primary and the center of all we do.
Self Reflection:
Where have you been more concerned with tasks, ministry or working for the LORD and have forgotten Jesus as your first love?