Messiah mystery follows death of mystical rabbiRevered Israeli apocalyptic kabbalah leader shocks Jews, Christians with name 'Yeshua'
Posted: May 18, 20072:00 a.m. Eastern
© 2007 WorldNetDaily.com
Rabbi Yitzchak Kaduri
A controversy is raging in Israel, in evangelical circles in the U.S. and on kabbalah web forums worldwide following the posthumous release of what a revered Sephardic rabbi claimed to be the name of the Messiah.
When Rabbi Yitzchak Kaduri died in February 2006, somewhere between the age of 106 to possibly 117, 300,000 attended his funeral in Jerusalem.
The Baghdad-born kabbalist had gained notoriety around the world for issuing apocalyptic warnings and for saying he personally met the long-awaited Jewish Messiah in November 2003.
Before Kaduri died, he reportedly wrote the name of the Messiah on a small note, requesting it remained sealed for one year after his death. The note revealed the name of the Messiah as "Yehoshua" or "Yeshua" – or the Hebrew name Jesus.
However, complicating the story further, the note is being challenged as a forgery by his 80-year-old son Rabbi David Kaduri.
"It's not his writing," he is quoted as telling Israel Today.
The note, written in Hebrew and signed in the rabbi's name, said: "Concerning the letter abbreviation of the Messiah's name, He will lift the people and prove that his word and law are valid. This I have signed in the month of mercy."
The Hebrew sentence consists of six words. The first letter of each of those words spells out the Hebrew name Yehoshua or Yeshua.
The finding has raised a combination of excitement and controversy in both Jewish and Christian circles – but scarcely any media attention. Jewish blogs and web forums are filled with skeptical analysis and puzzlement.
"So this means Rabbi Kaduri was a Christian?" asked one poster rhetorically.
Another wrote: "The Christians are dancing and celebrating."
Not exactly.
In fact, many Christian discussion boards say Kaduri's description of the Messiah – no matter what his name – doesn't fit the biblical account of a returned Jesus of Nazareth, who, they believe, will rule and reign on Earth from Jerusalem for 1,000 years.
About his encounter with the Messiah Kaduri claimed is alive in Israel today, he reportedly told close relatives: "He is not saying, 'I am the Messiah, give me the leadership.' Rather the nation is pushing him to lead them, after they find [in my words] signs showing that he has the status of Messiah."
Kaduri was also quoted as saying the imminent arrival of the Messiah will "save Jerusalem from Islam and Christianity that wish to take Jerusalem from the Jewish Nation – but they will not succeed, and they will fight each other."
Statements like that have some Christians wondering if Kaduri might be talking about another Yeshua – perhaps even a miracle-performing "false Christ" many evangelicals believe will precede the return of Jesus.
"It is hard for many good people in society to understand the person of the Messiah," Kaduri wrote before his death. "The leadership and order of a Messiah of flesh and blood is hard to accept for many in the nation. As leader, the Messiah will not hold any office, but will be among the people and use the media to communicate. His reign will be pure and without personal or political desire. During his dominion, only righteousness and truth will reign."
Kaduri wrote that not all will believe in the Messiah – and that it will often be easier for non-religious people to accept him. He also describes a Messiah who is, at first, not aware of his position.
A few months before his death, Kaduri gave a Yom Kippur address in which he gave clues as to how to recognize the Messiah. He told those gathered for the Day of Atonement in his synagogue the Messiah would not come until former Prime Minister Ariel Sharon dies.
Sharon was stricken while in office Jan. 4, 2006. He remained in a coma until replaced by Prime Minister Ehud Olmert. While many expected the imminent passing of Sharon, he has remained alive but unconscious ever since his attack.
Shortly after what Kaduri characterized as his Nov. 4, 2003, encounter with the Messiah, in which he said he learned his name, the rabbi began warning of impending disasters worldwide.
In September 2005 in a class at his Jerusalem yeshiva seminary, Kaduri called for Jews all over the world to return to Israel because of the calamities about to befall the Earth and for the rebuilding of the Jewish Temple.
"In the future, the Holy One, Blessed be He, will bring about great disasters in the countries of the world to sweeten the judgments of the land of Israel," he said.
In 1990, the late Lubavitcher Rebbe Menachem Schneerson told Kaduri that he would live to see the coming of the Messiah.
Also in September 2005, Kaduri said: "The Messiah is already in Israel. Whatever people are sure will not happen is liable to happen, and whatever we are certain will happen may disappoint us. But in the end, there will be peace throughout the world."
As a lifelong student and teacher of kabbalah, Kaduri rejected a meeting requested by pop superstar Madonna, who dabbled in the ancient art of Jewish mysticism. He reportedly said at the time: "It is forbidden to teach a non-Jew kabbalah, not even Talmud, not even simple Torah."
Kaduri is said to have been one of the few known living practitioners who used his knowledge of kabbalah to affect change in the world. He would often distribute amulets intended to heal, enhance fertility and bring success. He was also believed to have been involved in the removal of 20 dybbuks, or lost souls that strayed into the hapless bodies of living people to torment them.
Aviel Schneider, the author of the Israel Today story, said the worldwide reaction to news of Kaduri's note has been "crazy." He said he has never received so many emails and calls from around the globe.
He said he was urged not to publish the story by the rabbi's yeshiva, where officials said it was "impossible" that the note was actually written by Kaduri.
But Schneider was given access to many of the rabbi's manuscripts, written in his own hand for the exclusive use of his students. He was struck by symbols painted by Kaduri all over the pages.
"They were crosses," said Schneider. "In the Jewish tradition, you don't use crosses. You don't even use plus signs because they might be mistaken for crosses. But there they were, painted in his own hand."
Asked what those symbols meant, Kaduri's family said they were "signs of the angel."
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Mark 14:1-11
Random thoughts on the following passage
Why this waste?
Mark 14:1-11
There were many believers at the time of this passage and Jesus was drawn to dine at the house of a leper. Simon had to be overwhelmed with joy due to the presence of the Son of God sitting at his table. The Lord of all creation dining with a social reject just as He had done many times before. Simon’s heart full of encouragement due to his friendship with the most loving man to ever walk the face of this earth.
As Jesus is sitting at Simon’s table he knew that his death was near. His disciples gathered around to listen and converse with the one they had laid down their lives for. I imagine the disciples a group of confused men that constantly needed reminding of the purpose of the incarnation. I know I would have needed reminding, I would desire for Jesus to take His place as an earthly king just like the disciples did.
Amongst the conversations a woman enters the room. Out of character for a woman to enter a room of men I can imagine the initial thoughts of the men. Unashamed and without concern for tradition she approaches Jesus. Confidently as an expectant child she enters the room and comes before the Lord of all creation. Mary’s heart was so full of love for Jesus that she desired nothing else other than to serve him with all that she had. As the men watched her break the flask their jaws dropped. My first thought would have been one of conviction due to the level of devotion and sacrifice this woman displayed. Our hearts are convicted when we see others that are more devoted to Jesus than we are. We often times judge them of try to find something to discredit them. The greater the sacrifice that we witness, the great the conviction is on our hearts. To see such a loving devotion for any man is uncommon. Mary’s logic in pouring her inheritance and sustenance over Jesus’ head was baffling. Jesus’ heart must have been so blessed by the Father showing His love and devotion through the act of this woman. God was preparing the heart of Jesus and the followers. The other men in the room learned many valuable lessons that day.
To see grown men cry under the conviction of a love offering will change perspectives without the utterance of a word. When the disciples were corrected by Jesus for speaking harshly to Mary, they understood once again that the Lord’s ways were different from theirs.
Why this waste?
Mark 14:1-11
There were many believers at the time of this passage and Jesus was drawn to dine at the house of a leper. Simon had to be overwhelmed with joy due to the presence of the Son of God sitting at his table. The Lord of all creation dining with a social reject just as He had done many times before. Simon’s heart full of encouragement due to his friendship with the most loving man to ever walk the face of this earth.
As Jesus is sitting at Simon’s table he knew that his death was near. His disciples gathered around to listen and converse with the one they had laid down their lives for. I imagine the disciples a group of confused men that constantly needed reminding of the purpose of the incarnation. I know I would have needed reminding, I would desire for Jesus to take His place as an earthly king just like the disciples did.
Amongst the conversations a woman enters the room. Out of character for a woman to enter a room of men I can imagine the initial thoughts of the men. Unashamed and without concern for tradition she approaches Jesus. Confidently as an expectant child she enters the room and comes before the Lord of all creation. Mary’s heart was so full of love for Jesus that she desired nothing else other than to serve him with all that she had. As the men watched her break the flask their jaws dropped. My first thought would have been one of conviction due to the level of devotion and sacrifice this woman displayed. Our hearts are convicted when we see others that are more devoted to Jesus than we are. We often times judge them of try to find something to discredit them. The greater the sacrifice that we witness, the great the conviction is on our hearts. To see such a loving devotion for any man is uncommon. Mary’s logic in pouring her inheritance and sustenance over Jesus’ head was baffling. Jesus’ heart must have been so blessed by the Father showing His love and devotion through the act of this woman. God was preparing the heart of Jesus and the followers. The other men in the room learned many valuable lessons that day.
To see grown men cry under the conviction of a love offering will change perspectives without the utterance of a word. When the disciples were corrected by Jesus for speaking harshly to Mary, they understood once again that the Lord’s ways were different from theirs.
Friday, October 12, 2007
Kayaking in the Ozarks
Kayaking in the Ozarks
Monday morning the three (Adam, Cliff, Nick) of us left at 5:30 for the Ozark Mountains. As we pulled out of the driveway the rain was pouring down and there was plenty more in the forecast. About 2 hours into our four hour drive the sun began to rise and it seemed to be pushing the storms back to the west. Our drive was full of boy jokes and weird smells. As we passed through small towns we would read apostolic prayers and intercede for the towns. It was so awesome to pray over people we don’t know. At one point we turned off the main highway and took a small state highway through the hill country of Missouri. The views were incredible with large valleys and beautiful trees. At one point we were entering a sharp curve a little to fast and I decided to lean out the window and hold my arms up like I was on a rollercoaster, as I let out a loud YEE HAW my hat flew off my head on to the road. Cliff being the nice Canadian that he is, turned around so I could pick up my cap.
When we reach our destination at the Sunburst Ranch we meet the owner Justin. When we pulled up Justin was on his tractor carrying a 55 gallon barrel that had a baby possum in it. After he disposed of the possum he got us rigged out for our first day on the White River.
The first day we took a canoe and a kayak down the river for 12 miles. The weather was so beautiful for the first hour of our trip until a huge rain storm blew in. Adam being the genius of the group put on his poncho and stayed relatively dry while Cliff and I got soaked. The rain came down for most of our 12 mile paddle. Monday evening about a hour before dark we made it down river to our camping spot. Cliff and I set up the tent as Adam prepared our campfire fajitas for dinner.
After dinner we sat around the campfire and shared our stories and cracked jokes about one another. As we talked by the campfire, we roasted marshmallows and instructed each other on the best techniques. After hours of laughing and story telling we turned in for the evening. Oh, I almost forgot we also had our own myth busters experiment. We were debating if a can of lighter fluid would explode or not when placed in the fire. So being the pyro that I am, I tossed a bottle of lighter fluid on the fire and nothing happened.
Tuesday morning we woke up and cooked an amazing breakfast. Adam instructed us on how to cook omelets in a zip lock bag. After bringing water to a boil on the camping stove we placed our bags filled with eggs (from free ranging not steroidal chickens), bell pepper, onion, and ham into the pots. Minutes later we had fully cooked omelets that we cut up and placed in flour tortillas along with salsa, cheese, and sour cream. It was awesome.
After breakfast we packed all of our stuff up and headed back to the river for another 17 mile paddle. As we were being carried up to the drop off spot (Twin Bridges) Justin (our outfitter) proceeded to call Cliff a communist because he is Canadian. I am not sure how much Justin knows about the Canadian government.
When we got on the river in three separate kayaks the weather was perfect and the water was crystal clear. As we paddled down river we could see schools of rainbow and brown trout everywhere. God blessed us when some of the most beautiful scenery and wildlife that I have ever experienced. Every 5 minutes one of us would say, This is Awesome!
Well I hope you enjoy the pics!
Monday morning the three (Adam, Cliff, Nick) of us left at 5:30 for the Ozark Mountains. As we pulled out of the driveway the rain was pouring down and there was plenty more in the forecast. About 2 hours into our four hour drive the sun began to rise and it seemed to be pushing the storms back to the west. Our drive was full of boy jokes and weird smells. As we passed through small towns we would read apostolic prayers and intercede for the towns. It was so awesome to pray over people we don’t know. At one point we turned off the main highway and took a small state highway through the hill country of Missouri. The views were incredible with large valleys and beautiful trees. At one point we were entering a sharp curve a little to fast and I decided to lean out the window and hold my arms up like I was on a rollercoaster, as I let out a loud YEE HAW my hat flew off my head on to the road. Cliff being the nice Canadian that he is, turned around so I could pick up my cap.
When we reach our destination at the Sunburst Ranch we meet the owner Justin. When we pulled up Justin was on his tractor carrying a 55 gallon barrel that had a baby possum in it. After he disposed of the possum he got us rigged out for our first day on the White River.
The first day we took a canoe and a kayak down the river for 12 miles. The weather was so beautiful for the first hour of our trip until a huge rain storm blew in. Adam being the genius of the group put on his poncho and stayed relatively dry while Cliff and I got soaked. The rain came down for most of our 12 mile paddle. Monday evening about a hour before dark we made it down river to our camping spot. Cliff and I set up the tent as Adam prepared our campfire fajitas for dinner.
After dinner we sat around the campfire and shared our stories and cracked jokes about one another. As we talked by the campfire, we roasted marshmallows and instructed each other on the best techniques. After hours of laughing and story telling we turned in for the evening. Oh, I almost forgot we also had our own myth busters experiment. We were debating if a can of lighter fluid would explode or not when placed in the fire. So being the pyro that I am, I tossed a bottle of lighter fluid on the fire and nothing happened.
Tuesday morning we woke up and cooked an amazing breakfast. Adam instructed us on how to cook omelets in a zip lock bag. After bringing water to a boil on the camping stove we placed our bags filled with eggs (from free ranging not steroidal chickens), bell pepper, onion, and ham into the pots. Minutes later we had fully cooked omelets that we cut up and placed in flour tortillas along with salsa, cheese, and sour cream. It was awesome.
After breakfast we packed all of our stuff up and headed back to the river for another 17 mile paddle. As we were being carried up to the drop off spot (Twin Bridges) Justin (our outfitter) proceeded to call Cliff a communist because he is Canadian. I am not sure how much Justin knows about the Canadian government.
When we got on the river in three separate kayaks the weather was perfect and the water was crystal clear. As we paddled down river we could see schools of rainbow and brown trout everywhere. God blessed us when some of the most beautiful scenery and wildlife that I have ever experienced. Every 5 minutes one of us would say, This is Awesome!
Well I hope you enjoy the pics!
Wednesday, October 3, 2007
Church
A Dead Church
To the angel of the church in Sardis write:
These are the words of him who holds the seven spirits of God and the seven stars.
I know your deeds; you have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead.
Revelation 3:1
Can you imagine being in a church and hearing these words from Jesus? “People consider you to be a spiritually thriving church but I am not fooled. You are dead spiritually.”
Jesus is saying that a church can have a reputation for being a God-honoring, spiritually alive congregation and yet be spiritually dead. That indictment has nothing to do with size. It has everything to do with heart.
I do not presume to know what was in God’s mind for the church in Sardis, or what is in God’s mind for churches today, but here are some differences between dead churches and alive churches.
A dead church has the practice of religion; an alive church has the presence of God.
A dead church has a form of religion; an alive church has the power of God.
A dead church seeks to impress people; an alive church seeks to please God.
A dead church is marked by comfortable Christianity; an alive church is marked by fierce loyalty to Jesus.
A dead church has the formality of prayer; an alive church is devoted to prayer.
For a dead church, it’s all about the church; for an alive church, it’s all about Jesus.
A dead church is infused with tradition; an alive church is infused with the Holy Spirit.
A dead church has lukewarm ritual; an alive church has heartfelt worship.
A dead church is willing to compromise; an alive church has a zeal for holiness.
A dead church trusts God for the comfortable; an alive church trusts God for the impossible.
A dead church has inward focus and minimal impact; an alive church has outward focus and worldwide impact.
A dead church feels like a country club; an alive church feels like a spiritual army.
O God, may we be a church that pleases you! Above all else, may we be pleasing to you!
To the angel of the church in Sardis write:
These are the words of him who holds the seven spirits of God and the seven stars.
I know your deeds; you have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead.
Revelation 3:1
Can you imagine being in a church and hearing these words from Jesus? “People consider you to be a spiritually thriving church but I am not fooled. You are dead spiritually.”
Jesus is saying that a church can have a reputation for being a God-honoring, spiritually alive congregation and yet be spiritually dead. That indictment has nothing to do with size. It has everything to do with heart.
I do not presume to know what was in God’s mind for the church in Sardis, or what is in God’s mind for churches today, but here are some differences between dead churches and alive churches.
A dead church has the practice of religion; an alive church has the presence of God.
A dead church has a form of religion; an alive church has the power of God.
A dead church seeks to impress people; an alive church seeks to please God.
A dead church is marked by comfortable Christianity; an alive church is marked by fierce loyalty to Jesus.
A dead church has the formality of prayer; an alive church is devoted to prayer.
For a dead church, it’s all about the church; for an alive church, it’s all about Jesus.
A dead church is infused with tradition; an alive church is infused with the Holy Spirit.
A dead church has lukewarm ritual; an alive church has heartfelt worship.
A dead church is willing to compromise; an alive church has a zeal for holiness.
A dead church trusts God for the comfortable; an alive church trusts God for the impossible.
A dead church has inward focus and minimal impact; an alive church has outward focus and worldwide impact.
A dead church feels like a country club; an alive church feels like a spiritual army.
O God, may we be a church that pleases you! Above all else, may we be pleasing to you!
Tuesday, October 2, 2007
Overcomers
Overcomers
To him who overcomes and does my will to the end,
I will give authority over the nations.
Revelation 2:26
Revelation contains seven letters to seven churches. All seven letters contain a promise to those who overcome. What does this mean for us? How do we overcome?
Overcomers are not just Christians, but Christians who live for Jesus Christ and not for themselves. We become Christians by believing in Jesus and receiving the gift of eternal life.
But so many Christians live largely for themselves and give lip-service to Christ. They are not overcomers. They will spend eternity in heaven, but they will miss out on the rich rewards of the kingdom, including the reward of Revelation 2:26 to help rule the nations in eternity.
Overcomers are not just Christians, but Christians who are fully devoted to Christ, fully surrendered to Christ, fully committed to Christ. They are passionate worshipers who love God and seek God and obey God.
These are the overcomers. They are not perfect, but they are sold out to Jesus Christ. They want to please him with all their hearts.
Does Jesus Christ consider you an overcomer? Are you surrendered to Christ’s Lordship in your life?
You will not regret it. For all eternity, for unending billions of years, you will not regret it.
Give him your whole life.
To him who overcomes and does my will to the end,
I will give authority over the nations.
Revelation 2:26
Revelation contains seven letters to seven churches. All seven letters contain a promise to those who overcome. What does this mean for us? How do we overcome?
Overcomers are not just Christians, but Christians who live for Jesus Christ and not for themselves. We become Christians by believing in Jesus and receiving the gift of eternal life.
But so many Christians live largely for themselves and give lip-service to Christ. They are not overcomers. They will spend eternity in heaven, but they will miss out on the rich rewards of the kingdom, including the reward of Revelation 2:26 to help rule the nations in eternity.
Overcomers are not just Christians, but Christians who are fully devoted to Christ, fully surrendered to Christ, fully committed to Christ. They are passionate worshipers who love God and seek God and obey God.
These are the overcomers. They are not perfect, but they are sold out to Jesus Christ. They want to please him with all their hearts.
Does Jesus Christ consider you an overcomer? Are you surrendered to Christ’s Lordship in your life?
You will not regret it. For all eternity, for unending billions of years, you will not regret it.
Give him your whole life.
Sunday, September 30, 2007
Greetings
Greetings from Kansas City,
Today is my final day of the second class and the midway point of the semester. The weather has cooled off and is extremely beautiful. The leafs in KC should start turning over the next few weeks and that always sends fresh energy through my spirit. The Missions base is continuing to grow with more new interns coming on a monthly basis. It is always amazing to see the increase of people buzzing around here during the monthly conferences.
The class that we finish today is Excellencies of Christ taught by Allen Hood. I do not know where to start on explaining the revelation that has hit my heart through this class. When we see the crucifixion of Jesus and begin to lay hold of the severe costliness of our sins, we then begin to see the extreme amount of love that God has for us. As we studied the crucifixion I could feel God’s love impacting my heart like waves against a break wall. As soon as I would catch my breath and other way of His tender mercy would hit me. To be “wounded for Jesus” is the greatest sensation and the most painful yearning that I have ever know. To desire His presence in my life to the point that I will abandon myself and seek His way is revolutionary.
Over the past couple of months there have been plenty of situations that the Lord has used to refine me. My issues and fears have continually been brought to the surface due to relationships and exposure to The Word. The moments or seasons of refining are always beneficial. One of the greatest lessons I have learned is that God is so tender that He can comfort me as He is refining me. This side of God does not parallel with any other relationship on earth.
I want to thank you all for your continuous prayers for me and the journey God has prepared for me. I have received so much encouragement from the phone conversations and emails. I am praying for you all and I would love to receive prayer request so that I can be specific in my request before The Throne.
Blessings,
Nicholas Yaws
Today is my final day of the second class and the midway point of the semester. The weather has cooled off and is extremely beautiful. The leafs in KC should start turning over the next few weeks and that always sends fresh energy through my spirit. The Missions base is continuing to grow with more new interns coming on a monthly basis. It is always amazing to see the increase of people buzzing around here during the monthly conferences.
The class that we finish today is Excellencies of Christ taught by Allen Hood. I do not know where to start on explaining the revelation that has hit my heart through this class. When we see the crucifixion of Jesus and begin to lay hold of the severe costliness of our sins, we then begin to see the extreme amount of love that God has for us. As we studied the crucifixion I could feel God’s love impacting my heart like waves against a break wall. As soon as I would catch my breath and other way of His tender mercy would hit me. To be “wounded for Jesus” is the greatest sensation and the most painful yearning that I have ever know. To desire His presence in my life to the point that I will abandon myself and seek His way is revolutionary.
Over the past couple of months there have been plenty of situations that the Lord has used to refine me. My issues and fears have continually been brought to the surface due to relationships and exposure to The Word. The moments or seasons of refining are always beneficial. One of the greatest lessons I have learned is that God is so tender that He can comfort me as He is refining me. This side of God does not parallel with any other relationship on earth.
I want to thank you all for your continuous prayers for me and the journey God has prepared for me. I have received so much encouragement from the phone conversations and emails. I am praying for you all and I would love to receive prayer request so that I can be specific in my request before The Throne.
Blessings,
Nicholas Yaws
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
First Love
First Love
“To the angel of the church in Ephesus write:
These are the words of him who holds the seven stars in his right hand
and walks among the seven golden lampstands …”
Revelation 2:1
The church at Ephesus had been started by Paul. It was a strong church and the gospel radiated from Ephesus throughout the entire province. At the time Revelation was written, thirty years later, the church was still strong. The believers worked hard for the gospel and persevered despite severe persecution.
However, there was a fatal flaw in the church. Jesus challenges them with words that must have made their blood run cold: “Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken your first love” (2:4).
The church was full of people who worked hard for God, but they had left their first love. They were workers, but not worshipers. They had religious duty; they did not have a love affair with Jesus.
Jesus is looking for people who will love him back. Jesus is looking for worshipers. Jesus is looking for people who have an incurable disease – the disease of being smitten with Jesus.
Are you smitten with Jesus? Do you have a love affair with Jesus? Did you start out with a white-hot passion for Jesus and yet now the fire has grown cold?
Above all else, God wants to be loved. He wants to be wanted.
How is your heart these days? How is your heart for Jesus? Have you left your first love?
First Love, Part 2
Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken your first love.
Revelation 2:4
Antoine de Saint-Exupery said, “If you want to build a ship, don’t drum up people together to collect wood and don’t assign them tasks and work, but rather teach them to long for the sea.”
I believe his insight applies to the Kingdom of God. If you want to build a church that pleases God, don’t recruit people to tasks and projects and ministries, but rather teach them to long for Jesus.
Above all else, a church must be a place where the people long for Jesus, where the people are pursuing Jesus, where the people are falling in love with Jesus.
There was a great church in Ephesus, founded by the Apostle Paul. They were tremendous lovers of God. But thirty years later, Jesus sends them the sobering message: “Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken your first love” (2:4).
Fortunately, Jesus tells them what to do to recapture that first love. “Remember the height from which you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first” (2:5a,b). Three things: Remember. Repent. Repeat.
First, remember. “Remember the height from which you have fallen.” If you can, deliberately think back about your feelings and thoughts and actions during your first weeks and months as a follower of Jesus Christ. Remember!
Second, repent. “Repent ...” Jesus gives the Ephesian church a simple one-word command: Repent. Come to God in brokenness and repentance. Come to God in confession and surrender. Ask God to change you.
Third, repeat. That is, repeat the things you did in your early Christian life. “Repent and do the things you did at first.” Did you pray fervently? Sing from your heart? Gather with Christian friends? Eagerly read the Bible as a love letter? Give generously? Share your faith freely?
Keep your first love for Jesus. Nothing is more important.
Thomas Dubay, in his book The Evidential Power of Beauty, tells a story about a teenage girl in the atheistic Soviet Union who knew nothing of the Bible, nothing of the doctrines of the church, nothing of the differences between denominations. She also knew nothing of Jesus. Until one day she chanced upon a copy of Luke’s Gospel. When she finished reading it, her immediate reaction was, “I fell in love with him.”1
May that response mark our lives – at the beginning and at the end of our journey with Jesus. “I fell in love with him.”
1Gire, “The Divine Embrace,” 52.
“To the angel of the church in Ephesus write:
These are the words of him who holds the seven stars in his right hand
and walks among the seven golden lampstands …”
Revelation 2:1
The church at Ephesus had been started by Paul. It was a strong church and the gospel radiated from Ephesus throughout the entire province. At the time Revelation was written, thirty years later, the church was still strong. The believers worked hard for the gospel and persevered despite severe persecution.
However, there was a fatal flaw in the church. Jesus challenges them with words that must have made their blood run cold: “Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken your first love” (2:4).
The church was full of people who worked hard for God, but they had left their first love. They were workers, but not worshipers. They had religious duty; they did not have a love affair with Jesus.
Jesus is looking for people who will love him back. Jesus is looking for worshipers. Jesus is looking for people who have an incurable disease – the disease of being smitten with Jesus.
Are you smitten with Jesus? Do you have a love affair with Jesus? Did you start out with a white-hot passion for Jesus and yet now the fire has grown cold?
Above all else, God wants to be loved. He wants to be wanted.
How is your heart these days? How is your heart for Jesus? Have you left your first love?
First Love, Part 2
Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken your first love.
Revelation 2:4
Antoine de Saint-Exupery said, “If you want to build a ship, don’t drum up people together to collect wood and don’t assign them tasks and work, but rather teach them to long for the sea.”
I believe his insight applies to the Kingdom of God. If you want to build a church that pleases God, don’t recruit people to tasks and projects and ministries, but rather teach them to long for Jesus.
Above all else, a church must be a place where the people long for Jesus, where the people are pursuing Jesus, where the people are falling in love with Jesus.
There was a great church in Ephesus, founded by the Apostle Paul. They were tremendous lovers of God. But thirty years later, Jesus sends them the sobering message: “Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken your first love” (2:4).
Fortunately, Jesus tells them what to do to recapture that first love. “Remember the height from which you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first” (2:5a,b). Three things: Remember. Repent. Repeat.
First, remember. “Remember the height from which you have fallen.” If you can, deliberately think back about your feelings and thoughts and actions during your first weeks and months as a follower of Jesus Christ. Remember!
Second, repent. “Repent ...” Jesus gives the Ephesian church a simple one-word command: Repent. Come to God in brokenness and repentance. Come to God in confession and surrender. Ask God to change you.
Third, repeat. That is, repeat the things you did in your early Christian life. “Repent and do the things you did at first.” Did you pray fervently? Sing from your heart? Gather with Christian friends? Eagerly read the Bible as a love letter? Give generously? Share your faith freely?
Keep your first love for Jesus. Nothing is more important.
Thomas Dubay, in his book The Evidential Power of Beauty, tells a story about a teenage girl in the atheistic Soviet Union who knew nothing of the Bible, nothing of the doctrines of the church, nothing of the differences between denominations. She also knew nothing of Jesus. Until one day she chanced upon a copy of Luke’s Gospel. When she finished reading it, her immediate reaction was, “I fell in love with him.”1
May that response mark our lives – at the beginning and at the end of our journey with Jesus. “I fell in love with him.”
1Gire, “The Divine Embrace,” 52.
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