There is a quiet danger in faithful religion. We can do many things right and still drift far from the heart of God. Revelation 2:1–7 confronts us with this truth as Jesus speaks to the church in Ephesus—a church known for perseverance, discernment, and doctrinal clarity. And yet, Jesus says something startling:
“You have abandoned the love you had at first.”
This is not a rebuke for immorality or heresy. It is a warning against loveless faith—a faith that has become correct, busy, and resilient, but no longer tender or joyful.
When read alongside Psalm 103, Isaiah 52:3–6, and John 2:1–11, a single theme emerges with clarity and power:
God does not desire transactional religion, but restored relationship marked by mercy, dignity, and joy.
Faith Is Not a Transaction
Psalm 103 begins not with commands, but with praise:
“Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits.”
The psalmist reminds us that God “does not deal with us according to our sins.” God is not keeping a ledger, balancing good behavior against bad. Mercy is not earned—it is given.
Isaiah deepens this truth:
“You were sold for nothing, and you shall be redeemed without money.”
Redemption is not a purchase, a bargain, or a reward for obedience. It is God’s free act of love toward a people who have been humiliated and oppressed. God’s name is dishonored when people are crushed—and glorified when they are set free.
The church in Ephesus had resisted false teaching and cultural compromise, including the practices of the Nicolaitans. This mattered. But Jesus reveals that truth without love slowly becomes hollow. Faith becomes a performance rather than a relationship.
God Restores Dignity, Not Just Order
Psalm 103 speaks of God who “crowns you with steadfast love and mercy.” Isaiah 52 declares that God acts because his people’s dignity has been stripped away. Redemption restores identity, not merely obedience.
This concern for dignity is beautifully revealed in John 2, where Jesus performs his first sign—not in a synagogue or a courtroom, but at a wedding. When the wine runs out, the family faces social shame. Jesus responds quietly, generously, and without condition.
He turns water into wine—abundant, excellent wine.
This is not accidental. Jesus’ first miracle is not about power or correction. It is about restoring joy.
Love Comes Before Command
Across these passages, God’s pattern is consistent:
- In Revelation, Jesus calls the church to remember and return.
- In Psalm 103, blessing comes before instruction.
- In Isaiah, liberation comes before obedience.
- In John, joy comes before teaching.
Grace always precedes transformation.
When love is lost, faith hardens. When love is renewed, obedience becomes a response—not a burden.
Joy as a Sign of God’s Presence
Perhaps the most striking connection among these texts is joy.
- Revelation warns against loveless endurance.
- Psalm 103 overflows with gratitude.
- Isaiah 52 bursts into good news.
- John 2 overflows with wine.
Joy is not superficial. It is a sign that God’s presence has broken into ordinary life.
Where fear rules, joy fades.
Where love returns, joy follows.
A Word for Today
Many of us live like the church in Ephesus—faithful, discerning, exhausted. We resist what is false, yet struggle to feel what is true. These Scriptures invite us not to try harder, but to return.
Return to mercy.
Return to dignity.
Return to joy.
Return to first love.
Jesus’ promise still stands:
“To the one who conquers, I will give access to the tree of life.”
Not to those who perform perfectly—but to those who come home to love.
A Closing Prayer
God of mercy,
Restore in us what routine has worn thin.
Free us from fear-based faith.
Teach us again the joy of being loved.
Lead us back to our first love—Jesus Christ,
in whom mercy, dignity, and joy meet.
Amen.
The Curious Pilgrims 