the Third Week after Easter
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Daily Devotionals
John Gossner's Treasury
Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. Revelation 2:4. For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end. Hebrews 3:14. To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life. Revelation 2:7.
There is nothing more delightful than a new-born child of God who remains in his first love. But "he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. " He to whom Christ imparts Himself is very ardent in love. If he does not hold fast the beginning of his confidence, the first love, which is the essence and nature of Christ, but allows it to be quenched by security or self-exaltation, then there is nothing more sad than such trees twice dead, such a ruined garden of God. Alas! He who is in possession of the first love ought not for all the world to let himself be robbed of it. He ought rather to suffer everything and to dare everything in order to preserve this costly gem. He who perceives that it decreases, that it will be quenched, let him pray and struggle and seek to revive it and to regain possession of it let him humbly draw near to the cross of Christ. The tree of the cross is the best fuel for this fire, the right means by which to revive it and start the flame when it comes near going out. Therefore, do not despair, dear soul, if you have lost the first love. Behold, the Savior does not cast you off on that account, but He presents the fact to you and says, "Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen; and repent, and do the first works" (Revelation 2:5). Begin once more from the beginning. Do now as you did in the beginning when you received the first love. He will meet you in the same way. Let this be a matter of importance to you. If it is not, then the candlestick will be removed out of its place; your light will be extinguished, and you will become a child of darkness. But if you let the Savior inspire you with courage; if you have an ear to hear; if you overcome your drowsiness and security. He will give you to eat from the tree of life. Here He will come to your aid with strengthening food, and in heaven you shall be satisfied.
In His name I stand acquitted
While upon the earth I stay:
What I have to Him committed
He will keep until that day.
Be His service my endeavor;
I will leave my Jesus never.
