Revelation 2:4; Because Thou Hast Left Thy First Love
Revelation 2:4 Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love.
Jesus warns us that the world, ruled by Satan is always on the prowl to win our affections – Mark 4:19 And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful.
These are the (1) cares of the world (2) deceitfulness of riches and (3) lust of other things. The repeated use (4 times) of the conjunction “and” in Mark 4:19 emphasizes the constant bombardment of these ungodly pursuits that prevent the hearer from receiving the Word of God and bearing fruit.
These are literally the worries, anxieties and distractions of this present life that hold captive the hearts and minds of the hearers to the extent that there is no room for God in their lives; no room to consider, ponder, receive and give priority to things eternal. We see here the weariness from the energy-sapping effect of the cares of the world. They drain the heart of strength so much so that it cannot find true hope and life. To these, Jesus says, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).
In present-day Singapore, children’s education, health concerns, housing issues, cost of living or job promotion prospects can preoccupy the heart of an average Singaporean. His heart is so taken up with these cares that he is incapable of sparing a thought for anything else, which may even be of greater value. These present-day cares seem so innocently legitimate, yet, the preoccupation with them obstructs the entrance of the Gospel into these care-filled hearts.
Jesus gave the antidote to overcome this world’s cares when He advised, “But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you” (Luke 12:31). Only a faith that leads to obedience to God will enable a man to allay his fears and anxieties.
Jesus described riches as deceitful because they fail to give true and lasting happiness, comfort and security to their pursuers. They promise much but satisfy little. They are deceptive. They do not satisfy the true need of the soul. This idol often blinds the heart, making it insensitive to the Gospel. More often than not, those who possess material prosperity deny the existence of God. They ascribe success to self or factors other than God. Hearts deluded by riches are often full of conceit.
May the Lord rekindle that first love. Amen.