“I (Jesus) know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance… Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken the love you had at first. Consider how far you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first.” Rev. 2:2-5
Most holy and loving, Lord Jesus, these words you spoke to your beloved church in Asia Minor have timely and profound meaning for us—for me. They describe a most lamentable and “repentable” condition.
First of all, we are grateful you “know” us. You don’t just have perfect knowledge of us, but deep affection for us. Through the Gospel, we are fully known, and totally loved. Your grief over the state of our hearts reflects the greatness of your love for us.
Without presuming to know, we ask you, Lord Jesus. How does this “life-giving correction” apply to us? (Prov. 15:31) In what ways have we “forsaken” the love we had for you as young believers? We haven’t just “lost” our first love; we have turned to other things, worthless idols, and broken cisterns.
Just how far have we fallen? We don’t trust our own assessment. You must show us—each of us. What is the real meaning of our anger, fear, and anxiety?
Are we treasuring and seeking … Man’s approval more than your glory? Our comfort in life more than our calling as your Bride? Our political agenda more than the coming of your Kingdom? The touch of a lover more than the riches of the Gospel? Show us, Lord Jesus.
Rather than just saying, “We repent,” we ask you to lead us into a season of repentance, Lord Jesus. Our hope is built on nothing less, nothing more, nothing other than your blood and righteousness. The Gospel is our only and sure hope.
By your Holy Spirit, convict us of our sin(s). Grant us the tears and grace of repentance. Don’t just take us back to our “first love.” Take us forward into a greater love than we have ever known before—for you and for one another; for your church and your Kingdom, and for your blessed coming. So very Amen we pray, in your merciful and mighty name.
