Tuesday, May 10, 2016

Time for Church, But No Time for Christ

Reflections for this date are based on the following scripture passages:
Revelation 2

Revelation chapter two brings a statement of judgment against seven churches. The first one, given in verses 1-5, is against the church in Ephesus. At first it appears to be a statement of commendation, and the church was being commended for its faithfulness. But the main point was the judgment which follows the commendation.

What was the church in Ephesus commended for? It could not tolerate evil. It tested those who claimed spiritual credentials they did not possess and did not tolerate them. The church also had shown endurance, tolerating "many things because of My name, and have not grown weary."

All of this sounds rather good. So what was the problem? They had lost their first love - their love and deep devotion for Christ. No longer was it their love for Christ motivating their actions, but rather they were motivated out of a sense of obligation. Christ was not pleased with their sense of obligation. It was the relationship with them He desired. Nor was it a small matter, for if they didn't repent and return to their first love He intended to "remove your lampstand from its place."

A marriage relationship is always a good analogy for our relationship with Christ. Especially since Jesus is considered the bridegroom and the church His bride. What happens in one marriage after another when the husband spends too much time with work and little with his wife? Even though the husband may be capable of providing lavishly for his wife, she is not pleased with his lack of attention for her. Though he argues, "But I'm doing it for you," she is not impressed. And if he continues in this and does not change, she threatens to leave him.

The wife - or at least most wives - is more interested in the relationship. Being with him and having his attention. The things he provides are nice but a poor substitute for him. This is the charge Christ brings against the church in Ephesus. And this is the charge He could bring against many modern day churches.

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