TAKE ME BACK

“But I have this against you, that you have left your first love.  Therefore, remember from where you have fallen, and repent, and do the deeds you did at first…” (Revelation 2:4-5a NASB)

I’ll tell you upfront.  If the second paragraph is not applicable to you, pass it on to people you know who can benefit from what is written in that part of today’s meditation.  Wait!  Hold on now!  Before you rush to start forwarding this to others, here’s what they call a “heads up:” The third paragraph applies to you whether you are single, married, or dating as a prelude to marriage.  (By the way, that’s what dating is really all about.)

Do you remember how much effort you put in to looking good, smelling good, and dressing good when you first met your mate?  Do you remember how you could not hold back the excitement that engaged the adrenalin pump in your being from turning to the highest setting, as the non-cooperative clock took its time to get to the hour of your date?  Can you recall when not a hair on your head (or face) was out of place because you had to present yourself perfect?  I wonder what your mate would say now if this is applicable to your situation.  Would your mate say, “Those days, well they are long gone!”  Would the same be said of you?  While time travel is not a possibility, you can still return to where you put forth your best effort in regards to your relationship.  Just say to your inner being, “Take me back.”

Here’s the paragraph that applies to you regardless of your marital status.  It has to do with your discipleship status.  Do you remember how you were overflowing with joy when you first accepted Christ?  Do you remember the excitement surging through your soul, accompanied by an eagerness to serve?  Do you recall how you rearranged you priorities, removed some behaviors from your conduct repertoire, and relentlessly you read the Scriptures?  And when it came to Sunday, after you first found Jesus, you got up early, dressed up in your Sunday’s best, and set out determined to truly make the whole day the Lord’s Day?  What would your Master, only a mate because He said He will never leave you or forsake you; what would He say?  Would He say, “Those days, well they are long gone?”  Should you be saying, rather praying in this case, “Take me back?”  Do you need to sing some of the “Take Me Back” lyrics Adrae Couch used to sing?  Maybe they will be helpful, so here are some excerpts from the song.

Take me back, take me back dear Lord
To the place where I first received you
Take me back, take me back dear Lord where I first believed

I must confess, Lord I’ve been blessed
But yet my soul’s not satisfied
Renew my faith, restore my joy
And dry my weeping eyes

I know tomorrow is Sunday and you will definitely be among those in the special presence of the Lord.  But right now, you can confess and come back to that rejoicing, resonating, really celebrating feeling and riveting faithfulness that you had when you first accepted Christ!  Right now, you can get back to the point where you gave your best to the Master!  Mix in this good news!  He will take you back!  To maintain your joy put forth the efforts to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  Oh, by the way, you may pass this on to everyone who needs to hear all of the above.  “Everyone” is a pretty big email list, right!  So get busy!  Be blessed!

“But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever. Amen.” (2 Peter 3:18 KJV)

Still committed to the climb,

Mark L. King