🎧 Intro (Soft instrumental begins — low piano or strings, building gently) Welcome back to Morning Meditation with Missionary Joe Consford. Yesterday, in Psalm Chapter 2, we saw the Lord Jesus as the King whom God has set upon His holy hill — the One who rules even while the nations rage. Today, in Revelation Chapter 2, that same King speaks — not to the world, but to His churches. These letters reveal Christ’s heart for His people, His concern for purity, and His promise for those who overcome. Let’s open our Bibles to Revelation Chapter 2 in the King James Version. 📖 Scripture Reading (KJV) Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write; These things saith He that holdeth the seven stars in His right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks; I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil; and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars: And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name’s sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted. Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent. (Pause briefly before continuing) He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God. (Optional: You can continue reading the letters to Smyrna, Pergamos, and Thyatira for a longer episode.) 📜 Story – The Lampstand of Ephesus History tells us that the church at Ephesus was once one of the brightest lights of the ancient world. Founded by the Apostle Paul, taught by Timothy, and visited by John himself, it was a place rich with truth and strong in doctrine. Yet over time, something precious was lost. Their zeal cooled. Their love for Christ — the very heartbeat of their ministry — began to fade. A few centuries later, the historian Jerome wrote that the city of Ephesus had fallen into ruins. The harbor had silted up, the trade had moved elsewhere, and the once-bustling city lay silent. Even the great temple of Artemis was forgotten. The lampstand had been removed. It’s a sobering reminder that truth without love becomes hollow — and that every church must guard its affection for Christ above all else. 💭 Reflection – Lessons from the Lord’s Letters 1. Christ Knows His Churches – “I know thy works.” Nothing escapes His notice — not the sacrifices we make, the patience we show, or the burdens we bear. He walks among the candlesticks, fully aware of what His people face. 2. Christ Desires Our Love – “Thou hast left thy first love.” The greatest danger to a faithful church is not persecution — it’s distraction. Jesus longs for our hearts, not just our habits. 3. Christ Rewards the Faithful – “To him that overcometh…” Every one of these letters ends with a promise. No matter the pressure, no matter the cost, the overcomer always receives the crown. Revelation 2 reminds us that the risen Christ still walks among His churches — inspecting, correcting, and empowering them with grace. 🙏 Outro Maybe you’ve grown weary in your own service for the Lord. The fire that once burned bright may have dimmed beneath the weight of routine. Friend, Jesus still walks among His people. Return to that first love — the simple joy of walking with Him daily. He hasn’t changed, and He hasn’t moved. Thank you for joining me today on Morning Meditation. Tomorrow, we’ll turn to Proverbs Chapter 3, where we’ll learn the secret of trusting in the Lord with all our heart and acknowledging Him in all our ways. Until then, keep your heart open, your Bible nearby, and your hands ready to serve. To follow our family’s journey to Ghana or connect with our ministry, visit Back to Episodes