October 9, 2008
Young
Love
It
was cool tonight as the sun set, the temperature was dropping rapidly. It was
still a beautiful evening and Masada dog was thoroughly enjoying his walk around
the park. The rays of the setting sun were like a painted picture on the
horizon. A tiny sliver of the moon was also visible on the horizon. There was no
doubt that autumn was in the air, but it was still nice to be out.
The
one side of the park was a bee hive of activity. People were coming and going
for soccer practice. A boy's team was doing their warm ups outside. The coach
was pushing them hard and there was a lot boys running around.
The
other side of the park was a real contrast. All was quiet and still. There was
hardly a person to be seen.
A
young couple sat and a picnic table and stared deeply into one another's eye,
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".
Most
of us have been there when the music fades or in a marriage where all is not
well on the home front. Maybe a misunderstood word or an actual serious
argument. There is always a decision to make but in marriage the difference is a
commitment has been made and in that commitment is that we have to get back to
love. How long we stay mad is always a choice we make and the sooner we quit
talking to ourselves ( or letting the enemy chatter) the sooner healing and
restoration can take place and we get back to where we really need to be with
our mate.
It
happens with people and also in their faith. They meet Jesus Christ for the
first time and they fall head over heels in love with Him. He's the center of
their life for a time. Then one of three things happens, they move on to another
passing fad, they grow cold and complacent or they 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 with Jesus and then
fall away.
"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 lamp stands:
I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance. I know that you cannot
tolerate wicked men, 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 your first love. Remember the height from which you have fallen! Repent
and do the things you did at first. If you do not repent, I will come to you and
remove your lamp stand from its place. But you have this in your favor: You hate
the practices of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. He who has an ear, let him
hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes, I will give the
right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God. Revelation
2:1-7 NIV
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. They started
looking around instead of focusing. They got distracted from what their real
purpose was.
He
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. He died to bring us closer to God. You must die to self also to
get back to your spouse. God’s plan is always togetherness.
What's
your love affair with Jesus like lately?
When
things go wrong with your spouse, how long does it take to get back with
him/her?
When
the thoughts in your head keep you stirred in anger, how long does it take to
shut them down?
When
Jesus cries out to you, how long does it take to return to your first love?
If
you’ve had to think about these then it took you too long!
Until
next time may the fire in your heart for the Risen Lord burn hot and bright and
you return quickly to the first and real love in your heart and in your home.
Be
blessed
Darrel
Mason