How can we "remember the height from which you have fallen" today? The Call to Remember “Therefore remember how far you have fallen; repent and perform the deeds you did at first.” (Revelation 2:5) • “Remember” is an intentional, ongoing command—present tense—requiring deliberate effort. • “How far” points to an elevated position once possessed. Compare Ephesians 2:6: “And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with Him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus.” • The loss is measurable; the Lord expects us to notice when love cools (Revelation 2:4). Seeing the Height: What We Had • Adoption—Ephesians 1:5 • Intimacy—Galatians 4:6, “Because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying, ‘Abba, Father!’” • Joyful obedience—Psalm 119:32, “I run in the path of Your commandments.” • Effective witness—Acts 19:17-20 shows Ephesus ablaze with the gospel when love was fresh. Recognizing the Drift • Hebrews 2:1, “We must pay closer attention… so that we do not drift away.” • 2 Peter 1:9, forgetting cleansing brings spiritual shortsightedness. Symptoms today: – Mechanical devotions – Neglected fellowship – Compromised holiness – Diminished awe at grace Practical Ways to Remember the Height Daily • Read conversion passages: Luke 15; John 3; Acts 2. • Speak your testimony aloud, keeping the miracle fresh (Psalm 66:16). • Sing first-love hymns and songs that stirred early zeal (Colossians 3:16). Weekly • Celebrate the Lord’s Table thoughtfully—“Do this in remembrance of Me” (1 Corinthians 11:24). • Keep a gratitude journal: list new mercies (Lamentations 3:22-23). Seasonally • Revisit early ministry spots or journals; recall answered prayers. • Fast from distractions that dull affection (Hebrews 12:1). Repent and Return to First Works Repentance is not remorse; it is a 180-degree turn. First works to resume: • Unhurried prayer (Mark 1:35) • Word intake for transformation, not trivia (Psalm 19:7-11) • Active service motivated by love, not duty (Galatians 5:13) • Evangelism flowing from compassion (2 Corinthians 5:14) Guarding Against Future Falls • Stay teachable—Psalm 139:23-24. • Maintain fellowship—Hebrews 10:24-25. • Practice ongoing self-examination—1 Corinthians 11:28. • Keep eyes on Jesus—Hebrews 12:2; affection follows attention. Living Again at the Summit When memory fuels repentance and return, intimacy is restored. Revelation 2:7 promises, “To the one who conquers I will grant the right to eat of the tree of life in the paradise of God.” The risen Christ offers nothing less than full restoration to the height He purchased for us. |
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