One evening, while waiting for a friend at a church, I chatted with a security guard. He said, “This church just installed a new state-of-the-art sound system, and they spent a hefty sum on it.” Then he added, “But it’s a pity, the church doesn’t have many activities.”
While the number of activities does not necessarily reflect the health of a church, I couldn’t help but wonder if this church’s lampstand had been removed (Revelation 2:5).
In the book of Revelation, Jesus states that “the seven lampstands are the seven churches” (Revelation 1:20). As lampstands, the churches are light-bearers. They’re not the light themselves, but they hold or bear the light. The illumination comes from Jesus—“the light of the world” (John 9:5). So it’s the mission of the church to point lost people to Him.
In Revelation 2, we see the reason a church can lose its impact upon a community and also the solution to that problem. The negative issue for the church of Ephesus wasn’t a lack of industry, service, toil, and effort (Revelation 2:2-3). In fact, their activity, theology, conduct, and perseverance were all looking good. Their hearts were the problem. They had forsaken their first love (Revelation 2:4). In fact, their relationship with Jesus had become routine, no longer vibrant and alive. The solution given was: “Look how far you have fallen! Turn back . . . repent” (Revelation 2:5). Our heart for Jesus must be restored before we can light up our world.
An atheist once said to an evangelical Christian in the British Isles: “If I believed what you say you believe, I would cross Britain upon my knees on broken glass to tell men about it.” When we walk closer with Jesus and really experience His light, we can’t help but let the whole world see Him!
More:
This is what the Lord says: “I remember how eager you were to please Me as a young bride long ago, how you loved Me and followed Me even through the barren wilderness” (Jeremiah 2:2).
Next:
How strong is your love for Jesus? What steps can you take to remember, return, and repent?
Soldier4Christ on January 5, 2011 at 5:59 am
Sadly there are many of us who though we profess our love for Jesus, act as though we are ashamed of Him. We are bold when in a church setting or around those who claim to be Christians but yet are timid when we get around non-Christians. I pray that the Holy Spirit lights a fire under me and the Christian Church, and that we don’t act ashamed of our Lord and Savior no matter where we are at. We should be bold in our proclamation of Christ.
lindagma on January 5, 2011 at 7:29 am
I think we become too comfortable in our own salvation and our church routine. We forget the magnitude of what Christ did for us and what we have to look forward to.
eppistle on January 5, 2011 at 9:10 am
I read that you write for Sparx. Is this devotional online? If not, how can I get it?
Princess Sarah on January 5, 2011 at 10:50 am
Thanks for the great reminder. It hits my heart. Sometimes Im too familiar with the “religious things” I do or the act of service that Im rendering and thus it becomes a routine w/c little I know Im losing my passion for it. Its a shame that Im doing it coz its what my schedule says. God doesnt need my end results He wants my First love. And I need to pick that choice everyday, to love Him on top of everything. Dont get busy with the kingdom, get busy with the King. Oh God thank You for Your word.
daisymarygoldr on January 5, 2011 at 3:13 pm
When the lampstand is removed, God’s glory i.e. His presence departs from that place and there is lawlessness and disorder in that church community due to the absence of God’s commandments as it was in the days of Eli.
Without the light of the teaching of God’s truth, people cannot discern the right way from the wrong and as a result will stumble and fall in darkness. When God’s presence i.e. the Holy Spirit is no longer with us, we would still be doing all the good works, but it will have no impact on unbelievers.
We have to be really careful that our routine of religious activities, programs, service, etc. does not take priority to become our first love. And if our love for Jesus is no longer #1, then our love for people will also fail. The Biblical principle is always God first and then others.
It is my heart’s prayer that we, the Church will:
Remember that it is not about us but always about Him. Our deepest desire is to please our heavenly bridegroom even while passing through the barren wilderness just as we did in the youthful days of our conversion.
Return back from our cold, complacency for Christ—from our vain activities, programs, and service that took priority to distract us from loving the Lord with all our hearts, souls and minds.
Repent of doing the things that we love and rekindle the flames of our passion for Christ by doing the things He loves in utmost devotion and dedication to God.
That we may stir up one another to do the works we first did which is to not forsake the fellowship of His saints but continue in constant Bible study, breaking of bread, prayer and worship.
And then we will be a lamp placed on the stand to reflect the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ—the image of God, to the dark and lost world outside.