“To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: ‘The words of him who holds the seven stars in his right hand, who walks among the seven golden lampstands.”” – Revelation 2:1
Scripture reading: Revelation 2:1-7
The purpose of the thorough-going examinations of our heart, mind and attitudes, as we have been engaged in, isn’t merely for the purpose of checking a box and moving on with our lives. The deepest desire behind all this searching, is to recover our first deep love for Jesus. The love of Jesus, poured out on us and in us, captures the hearts and motivates a response of zealous service.
The Scottish theologian Thomas Chalmers (1780 – 1847) described this love for Jesus as an expulsive love; [his highly influential work is called: “The Expulsive Power of a New Affection”, written in 1818.] As John described it in Revelation, it’s a wearisome task to toil, hate evil, and endure trials patiently. Hating evil will not keep Christians on the pathway to a fuller life in Christ, but it is the adoration of Jesus, Who holds the seven stars and walks among us, driving out earthly lusts and affections. The more we look at Jesus, seated on the throne of power in heaven, able to crown those who serve Him, conquering all who oppose Him and His people, the more we see Jesus as a treasure beyond anything the world could offer. Ah, what love fills the heart.
Brothers and sisters in Christ, hold the dear vision of Jesus, the Redeemer King before you. As you encourage one another, stirring the flame of the love for Jesus you hold in your hearts, greater will be the expulsive power which pushes out sin and temptation to make room in your hearts for Jesus.
Suggestions for prayer
If this reading seems too lofty, or your heart is not warmed by these expressions of affection for Jesus, pray that the Spirit will lead you to love Jesus with a profound and lasting love; if you know of fellow Christians who are struggling in their affection for our Savior, fervently pray that from the altar of God’s throne room, they will be reignited with the steadfast lovingkindness of God.
Rev. Richard T. Vander Vaart and his wife Carolyn are now in their seventh year living in Moncton, NB. with Redemption Prison Ministry as a pastor in the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church of Canada. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com