Fire or Fallen

Have you ever had a hobby? But like one that when you started doing it, you were very passionate about it. Whether it was some sort of craft, gardening, or working with your hands. Many, if not all of us, can think of something that falls into that category. When we find that thing that drives our passion, we generally dive in with all that we have. We spend time on it. Devote our resources to it. Find ways to work on it. Even when our schedule doesn’t allow for the time. If we’re passionate about it. We find the time. But is that true with our faith? For many, when we first received salvation, that question would have been a resounding yes! But over the years, maybe we’ve settled into a comfortable routine. Maybe we don’t share the gospel as much. Maybe we go to church, but it all feels kind of lackluster. How does that happen though? The gospel hasn’t changed. But maybe we have and it’s time to start over. To go back to the beginning and reinvigorate our passion for Jesus Christ. The truth is, we aren’t the first people to struggle with this issue. It’s happened since the beginning of the church.

When Paul wrote his letter to the Ephesian church, he was so encouraged by their faith and passion for Jesus. He even wrote that ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all God’s people, I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers (Ephesians 1:15-16 NIV) The Ephesians were a course to change the world for the gospel. However, over the next 35 years, something began to change. The Ephesians lost their passion. They had fallen away from what they were called to. So much so that Jesus said this to the church of Ephesus in John’s revelation. Jesus said, I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance. I know that you cannot tolerate wicked people, that you have tested those who claim to be apostles but are not, and have found them false. You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary. Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken the love you had at first. Consider how far you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first (Revelation 2:2-5 NIV).

The Ephesians had lost their first passion, Jesus. They stopped doing the things they did at first and more than likely fell into step with society. Now, almost 2000 years later, that can be many of our stories. We’ve forgotten the passion we had when we first encountered Jesus. The fire has dwindled. But it hasn’t gone out. Jesus wants to ignite the fire in your heart and soul this week. Return to the things you did at first. Pray that He would come and consume me. My heart is ready. God, if I burn, I burn for you with no hesitation. Without reservation. God, if I burn, I burn for you. Give me a fresh, fresh fire. I want what you desire. I wanna burn for you (Maverick City Music, Fresh Fire).

May God give you a fresh fire in your soul this week.