But I have this against you, that you have left your first love. Revelation 2:4 (NASB)
- The first song to be sung in outer space was Happy Birthday on 8 March 1969.
- The first toothbrush was invented in China in 1498
- Britain’s very first mobile phone call was made on 1 January 1985 by Ernie Wise.
- Lego was first invented in Denmark in 1949. The pieces were originally called Automatic Binding Bricks.
- Laika was the name of the first dog in space.
There are many firsts in life. The Bible speaks specifically of our “first love” (protos agape). It is mentioned in the book of Revelation when Jesus was addressing the Ephesian believers. When Paul wrote to the Ephesian believers (probably around AD 54), he mentioned their love for one another and encouraged loving unity in the body of Christ. But later, God warned the Ephesians that they had left their “first love”. Jesus praised the church in Ephesus for their works, labour, patience and perseverance. But He warned:
…I have this (charge) against you, that you have left your first love (you have lost the depth of love that you first had for Me). Revelation 2:4 (AMP)
In other words, “You have left the love that should be the most important and number one priority in your life.” Or, as He taught in Mark 12:
“Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind and with all your strength.” Mark 12:30
I would imagine that many of the Ephesian believers were in a state of shock when they first read this letter. “What does He mean – we have left our first love? Doesn’t He see all we’re doing?” But motion is no substitute for emotion and devotion to Him.
John, author of Revelation, is one who really understood God’s love. At one time he and his brother James had been known as the “Sons of Thunder”. Apparently, they were very quick-tempered and were quick to judge others. Yet Christ had dramatically changed John’s heart and as you read through the New Testament you discover that one out of every three verses on the subject of love was penned by John. He changed from a Son of Thunder into an apostle of love.
Have you lost the depth of love that you first had for Jesus?