Revelation 2 and the Church of Ephesus: Why First Love Fuels True Success

I’ve always loved the building process—creating projects, producing content, seeing an idea catch fire and impact people. As a media entrepreneur, there’s nothing quite like watching something you’ve poured your heart into take shape in the world. But somewhere along the way, I noticed something: it’s possible to chase success, gain recognition, and even move crowds, yet quietly drift from the one thing that gives it all meaning—devotion to God.

That realization became clear when I revisited the message Jesus gave to the church in Ephesus in Revelation 2:1–7. At first, the church looked strong. They worked hard, endured trials, and resisted falsehood. In today’s language, they had the grind, the influence, and the reputation. Jesus even acknowledged their perseverance:

“I know your record of works and your toil and your patient endurance… you have not fainted or become exhausted or grown weary.” (Revelation 2:2–3, AMP)

But then comes the sobering shift:

“But I have this against you, that you have left your first love [ἀφῆκας, aphēkas—you have deliberately abandoned it].” (Revelation 2:4, AMP)

That word aphēkas in the Greek is striking. It’s not accidental. It’s a conscious letting go, a departure. The Ephesians had devotion once, but in the busyness of doing the right things, they had walked away from the love that started it all.

And isn’t that the danger for us too? We can work, create, and build platforms that look impressive to the world. Followers, views, sales, applause—the world gives accolades to those who can move crowds and call them “influencers.” Yet Jesus reminds us that all of it means nothing without love. Paul echoes this in 1 Corinthians 13:1–2 (AMP):

“If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love [for God and others growing out of God’s love], then I have become only a noisy gong… And if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.”

Without love—without devotion to God—success is hollow. We may shine for a moment, but the light fades quickly, like a lampstand without oil.

Jesus told the Ephesians to remember where they had fallen from, repent, and return to their first works of love (Revelation 2:5, AMP). He warned that if they didn’t, their lampstand—their witness—would be removed. The lampstand represents more than reputation. It’s the visible influence of God’s presence shining through us. Devotion keeps that light burning. Without it, we’re just shadows, not true lights of the world.

This lesson doesn’t just apply to ministry. It’s relevant in every area—business, media, leadership, and even relationships. Think about marriage: some chase the status of being married but have no intention of truly loving their spouse. The appearance is there, but the devotion is missing. In the same way, chasing platforms or influence without loving God is an empty shell.

True success, I’ve learned, is not about applause, numbers, or even endurance for its own sake. It’s about anchoring every project, platform, and relationship in first love for God. Why? Because God is Love (1 John 4:8, AMP). Love is not just something He gives. It’s who He is. When He is the source of our devotion, everything we do becomes infused with His life. Our influence stops being about us and starts reflecting Him.

Jesus called His followers “the light of the world” (Matthew 5:14–16). But light doesn’t shine for itself. It points to something greater. When devotion fuels our light, people see beyond our accomplishments and recognize the One who is the true source. And the promise Jesus gave to the overcomers in Ephesus still stands:

“To him who overcomes [the world through believing that Jesus is the Son of God], I will grant the privilege to eat the fruit from the tree of life which is in the Paradise of God.” (Revelation 2:7, AMP)

That’s eternal significance. That’s impact that lasts beyond followers or recognition.

So here’s what I’ve learned: success without devotion is noise. Influence without love is hollow. But when devotion fuels the work—when our first love for God is at the center—then everything changes. The lampstand shines, the influence carries weight, and the light points people to Him.

At the end of the day, our platforms won’t be remembered for how clever they were or how big the numbers grew. They’ll be remembered for the light they carried. And that light will only shine if it’s rooted in love—first love, eternal love, God Himself.

Sources & References

Revelation 2:1–7, Amplified Bible (AMP)

Revelation 1:20—lampstands as churches

Greek Lexicon: ἀφῆκας (aphēkas) — Blue Letter Bible

Matthew 5:14–16—Jesus on being the light of the world

1 Corinthians 13:1–2 (AMP) — the primacy of love

Acts 19; Temple of Artemis, Ephesus historical context — Britannica

Tree of Life connection: Genesis 2:9, Revelation 22:2, BibleProject studies

1 John 4:8 (AMP)—God is Love

Noel Marcial, CEO of 4Soca Inc., Creative Director of 4Rin Media

Creator/Host of Rezonate on CKHC 96.9 FM, Toronto.