5/31/13- Keeping the fire going

4 Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken the love you had at first. 5 Consider how far you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first. If you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place. (Rev. 2:4,5)

Thoughts: Today the lampstand of the church of Ephesus is gone.  It once was mighty.  Paul taught there and was well loved.  Miracles were done there.  The apostle John taught and probably died there.  It is strong tradition that Mary mother of Jesus also lived her last days in Ephesus.  The people at one time burned over a million dollars of spells and sorcery scrolls in zeal for the gospel.  Today the pagan temple of Artemis- one of the seven wonders of the world at Ephesus is gone- but so is the Christian church.
    It could happen to any church- or any Christian.  It is hard to keep that first love.  In a relationship- we get to know each other and become as comfortable and worn as an old shoe.  However, that having been said, it is easier to stoke the flames of love when we are together than when we are apart.  Three logs together burns brighter than three logs spread apart (the embers go out when spread apart).  The illusion that we can fan the flames for God all by ourselves is a common mirage.  Just as football is meant to be a team sport, so Christian faith is meant to be practiced in all its messiness together.  While it is possible to throw the ball up and catch it by yourself- being with others is better.  Christians are called to love each other- and also to love God together.  Cyber communion just isn't the same.  
   Today I am helping move my pregnant daughter and busy- medical-student son-in-law and grandaughter to a new house.  I picked up a table donated by his grandfather.  Tomorrow my son will come and help haul some furniture and boxes.  Saturday my daughter and other son-in-law will come and haul some more.  Friday night a wonderful church person is bringing over supper.  Now, she could move all by herself (she is pregnant and is still working).  But it is more memorable and a bit easier when many hands come together to make the load lighter.  
    Make sure your relationship with others and the church is strong for when you need the church.  The church teaches us to love God- but also teaches us to love each other through the mess and disappointments of life.  The church is far from perfect- it is quite messy.  We should not be surprised at the sin in the church on this side of heaven.  But it still points to a brighter day- when there is no coldness, sinfulness, aloofness in church- but it is full of love.  Fan into flames your love for God- use the church as the bellows to blow hard on your dying embers.  

Prayer:  Lord, may I return to your true love.  

(The ruins of an Ephesus street)