Issue 777 – Young Love – June 16, 2022
As I took my stroll around the lake, the area of the park I entered through was a bee hive of activity. Moms and their children filled the playground.
Preschoolers at the “forest school” played an active game and did their best to howl like wolves. I’m not sure what the game was, but they seemed to be having a lot of fun. A group of young men were playing cricket over by the baseball diamonds.
A gaggle of rambunctious teens from the nearby school wandered off in the general direction of the school.
The usual group of elderly Sikh gentlemen were seated by the picnic shelter. Some were engrossed in conversation, others seemed to be simply soaking up the sun, and another small group listened to what sounded like a sporting event broadcast in Punjabi over the radio.
The further I got from the parking area, the quieter things became. A red-winged blackbird serenaded me. I haven’t seen or heard many of them this year, so it was a real treat.
A young couple stood at one of the wildlife viewing platforms and stared deeply into one another’s eyes, oblivious to the world around them. They were obviously in the throes of young love. There’s nothing wrong with young love, but it either moves into a deeper, more committed love or the “chemistry” fades, and you move on to another “love.”
It happens with people and their faith. They met Jesus Christ for the first time, and they fell head over heels in love with Him. He’s the centre of their life for a brief period. Then one of three things happens: we move on to another fad, grow cold and complacent, or begin to grow into a deeper, more mature, more meaningful relationship with Him.
Scriptures have some strong words of rebuke for those who fall in love and then fall away.
“To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: ‘The words of him who holds the seven stars in his right hand, who walks among the seven golden lampstands “‘I know your works, your toil and your patient endurance, and how you cannot bear with those who are evil, but have tested those who call themselves apostles and are not, and found them to be false. I know you are enduring patiently and bearing up for my name’s sake, and you have not grown weary. But I have this against you, that you have abandoned lthe love you had at first. Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first. If not, will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent. Yet this you have: you hate the works of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who conquers I will grant to eat of the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.’ Revelation 2:1-7
The Ephesian church fell deeply in love with Jesus. Then they got so busy doing churchy things they forgot all about their relationship with Him.
Jesus didn’t die on the cross so we could do churchy things in His name. He died so we could have an eternal relationship with Him and be vessels of light to show others His love.
This Ephesian church had a strong start. Paul was one of the church planters, and great things were done there. In Acts 18:19-20, we read,
While the Revelator warns against falling away, he also has words of encouragement for those who stay the course. He reiterates the promise of eternity for those who persevere.
What’s your love affair with Jesus like lately?
Until next time may the fire in your heart for the Risen Lord burn hot and bright.
Kevin.
Gleanings From The Word.
Experience an extraordinary God in ordinary life.
Soli Deo Gloria (for the glory of God alone.)
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