Revelation 2:1-7

Revelation 2:1-7
English Standard Version (ESV)

  I love the letters to the churches that are included in Revelation.  They're a glimpse into what God has to say to real-world churches, both how they are praised and where they are rebuked.  There is much to celebrate, but there is still room to grow in faithfulness.  For each of us, this is a helpful reminder that we are never all the way there on this side of heaven -- God is  always going to push us toward a growing edge, no matter how uncomfortable it may be for us.  We still have room to grow closer to God.
  The church in Ephesus endures trials patiently, concerned about the faithfulness of its leaders.  This is good, and John leads with this -- but there is still more work to do.  Over time, their love and passion for the Gospel has faded, and God is calling them back to this, reminding them of how deeply they loved God. 
  Just as the church in Ephesus has room to grow, so do we.  Set aside time to listen and consider your growing edges, that we may each have a faith that pushes deeper and leads us closer to God.