The book of Revelation opens with seven letters. These seven letters were written to churches in Asia, which is today’s country of Turkey. The letter to Ephesus spoke to me the most. In the beginning the Lord praises them for their works, labor, endurance, checking out the apostles, etc. but He gives them a warning. And this warning may not sound that critical to you at first.
But I have one thing against you, that you have left your first love. Revelation 2:4
He states that it’s better to lose some of your work for the Lord than to fail in your love for Him. Those words really spoke to my heart. Then he shares in chapter 10 of the Life-Study of Revelation an account of John Nelson Darby on pages 119-120 that is very touching:
I can never forget a short paragraph concerning John Nelson Darby. This paragraph reveals that when Darby was very old he was traveling and staying in a hotel for the night. As he was going to bed, he prayed in a simple way saying, “Lord Jesus, I still love You.” It is precious for an old saint to say this. John Nelson Darby began to love the Lord during his youth. After more than sixty years, he still loved Him. We all must daily tell the Lord, 'Lord Jesus, I still love You. I may change in everything else, Lord, but I would never change in loving You. Rather, I want my love for You to increase all the time.' I read this paragraph about Darby more than twenty years ago, and I cannot tell you the help it has rendered to me throughout the years” (Lee, Witness. Life-Study of Revelation. Anaheim: Living Stream Ministry, 1976, Print).This chapter reminded me of something I recently read from a book on the Song of Songs: "Give yourself to love the Lord. No other way is so prevailing, and no other way is so safe, so rich, and so full of enjoyment. Just love Him. Do not care for anything else. Teachings, doctrines, gifts, and power do not mean much. We must continually tell the Lord, 'Lord, keep me in Your love! Attract me with Yourself! Keep me all the time in your loving presence!" (Lee, Witness. Life and Building as Portrayed in the Song of Songs. Anaheim: Living Stream Ministry, 1979, Print)
Blog Update 11-9-17: Here's a recent song from a New York Young People's CD entitled How Lovely is Thy Dwelling Place--it's called Jesus My Best Love Thou Art
You can listen to excerpts from the Life-Study of Revelation and some excellent commentary on Life-Study of the Bible with Witness Lee.
Other Posts on the Book of Revelation:
What is the Focus of the Book of Revelation?
What Does the Book of Revelation Show Us About Loving the Lord?
What Does Revelation 4:11 Tell Us About the Purpose of God's Creation?
What are the Golden Bowls of Incense in Revelation 5:8?
What is the Controlling Vision of he Bible Seen in the Book of Revelation?
From the Life-Study of Revelation - What are the Two Sides of Rapture Seen in Revelation 14:1
How Does Transformation Produce the New Jerusalem Mentioned in Revelation 3:12?
Taking a Look at Revelation 12:11 - How Do you Overcome Satan's Accusation?
From the Life-Study of Revelation - The Connection Between Revelation & Ephesians
Why is There is A Rainbow Around God's Throne in Revelation 4:3?
How Do you Get Ready for the Marriage of the Lamb in Revelation 19:7-8?
Other Posts on Men/Women From Church History:
G. H. Pember - Why are There Two Trees in Genesis 2 Anyway?
On George Mueller - From the Life-Study of Philippians - What's the Theme of the Bible?
On Watchman Nee & Witness Lee - What is the Mystery of Christ in Ephesians 5:32
On M.E. Barber - What Does God's Salvation in 1 Thessalonians 1:9-10 Accomplish in New Believers?
On John Newton - God's Love in 1 John 4 Seen in the Life of John Newton
On the Apostle John - Touching Account From Church History on the Apostle John
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