You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me, yet you refuse to come to me that you may have life. John 5:39-40

There are times in life when it’s necessary to make a critical decision for the health of our physical body. For a time, we didn’t give much thought to our physical health routine because everything was running smoothly. But then, something gives way, something cracks, something stops working, or something screams out for attention. It’s then, and sometimes only then, when we finally attempt to figure out the source of the problem and make the necessary decision to get our physical health back on track.

But, what happens when that necessary decision involves a spiritual reality? What happens when you hit a wave and your religious boat isn’t strong enough to hold you any more? What happens when wake up to realize you’ve been strengthening your spiritual arm muscles without giving any attention to your spiritual core?

This is precisely what’s happening in Revelation 2. Jesus uses John to send a warning letter to the church in Ephesus, because he wants to wake his children up to a spiritual reality that desperately needs to be diagnosed. Their boatloads of practices can’t hold them much longer. Their strong convictions are giving strength to the wrong muscles. Instead of producing life, their religion is draining their spiritual health.

Today, use this paraphrased version of Revelation 2 to help you identify the root of the problem.

 I see what you’ve done, your hard, hard work, your refusal to quit. I know you can’t stomach evil, that you weed out apostolic pretenders. I know your persistence, your courage in my cause, that you never wear out. But you walked away from your first love—why? What’s going on with you, anyway? Do you have any idea how far you’ve fallen? A Lucifer fall! Turn back! Recover your dear early love. No time to waste, for I’m well on my way to removing your light from the golden circle. – Revelation 2:2-5 Message

  1. How would you diagnose the problem?
  2. Why do you think this diagnosis is serious?
  3. What necessary decision would help keep them spiritual healthy?

By Yvonne Biel  

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