Revelation Letters I
“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. “ ‘I know your works, your toil and your patient endurance, and how you cannot bear with those who are evil, but have tested those who call themselves apostles and are not, and found them to be false. I know you are enduring patiently and bearing up for my name’s sake, and you have not grown weary. But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first. Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first. If not, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent. Yet this you have: you hate the works of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who conquers I will grant to eat of the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.’ (Revelation 2:1-7 ESV)
Lost
Some things, once lost, are gone. Things such as money, time, and cake left out in the rain.
Some things, once lost, are regained with difficulty. Things such as memories, car keys, and the good opinion of Mr. Darcy.
Some things, once lost, come back easily. Things such as phone numbers, a dog, and weight.
The first love of the church of Ephesus had been lost. But Christ Jesus writes to them because they can find it again. God is gracious. God is very interested in restoration. God fixes things.
Every Christian has been lost, in this sense, and then found. Repeatedly.
There is even a line in a familiar song about it. “I once was lost but now I am found.”
Find your first love, Jesus Christ, again. (And again… and again…)