² “I know all the things you do. I have seen your hard work and your patient endurance. I know you don’t tolerate evil people. You have examined the claims of those who say they are apostles but are not. You have discovered they are liars. ³ You have patiently suffered for me without quitting.
Revelation 2:2-3
 
Marea noticed a bumper sticker this week that said, “Jesus is coming!  Look busy!”  Pretty timely because there’s been a lot of buzz surrounding the end of days the last couple of weeks.  We chuckled and then I thought, “Does He really want us busy?  And, if He does, busy doing what exactly?”
 
The book of Revelation starts with seven letters to seven churches.  Revelation 2 begins with a letter to the church in Ephesus.  It’s a glowing commendation and the Lord is pleased with all their hard work.  They’ve checked all the boxes, and I can only imagine their smiles as they read.  And then… “but I have this complaint against you…”
 
Talk about taking the wind out of their sails.  Why would He have a complaint?  Their résumé is exemplary! 
 
⁴ “But I have this complaint against you. You don’t love me or each other as you did at first! ⁵ Look how far you have fallen! Turn back to me and do the works you did at first. 
 
If the devil will not make us bad, he will make us busy.
Corrie Ten Boom
 
Jesus is coming!  Sit down.  At least that’s what Mary did in Luke 10:38-42.  She took the time to listen and learn.  There will always be much to do, but the church in Ephesus was doing SO MUCH they forgot why.  They didn’t love or honor Jesus in the way they did at the beginning.  Their hearts were distracted by service.  Service isn’t bad… we should set our hands to Kingdom work… but when our work comes at the expense of resting in Him, it’s no good. 
 
Also, if God knows everything, I’m pretty sure He knows if you’re just acting busy.  I said this past week, “What you believe changes your heart.”  When He has your heart, He will have your hands too.  The stuff of earth will always compete for your attention, make space for Jesus.  Live in the light of the resurrection and keep Him as the center point in your life. 
 
May we be aware of His Presence.
Soli Deo Gloria!
F –