“First Love”

“For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.”  Philippians 1:21 (NIV)

One of my favorite books in the Bible is the Acts of the Apostles. Whenever I read it, I am reminded of the amazing energy that filled those early believers. Spontaneous praise, spiritual enthusiasm and open hearts characterized their experience, especially on the day of Pentecost. They were not intimidated by threats or suppressed by opposition because their vision was clear — though they were living in this world, they were looking into the next. To them it was so real. Some people suggested they were drunk on the day of the Spirit’s outpouring. It couldn’t have been their slurred speech, because they spoke so well that their listeners wondered how such uneducated men could be so intelligent. Nor were they staggering about like they were inebriated — just the opposite. It was their vigor, their powerful words, and compelling presence. They were alive with joy!

Here is where Christian teachers and leaders often stumble. We marvel at the account of their enthusiasm, and long for the energy of the early church. “What we need is more evangelism!” “Let’s vote on a new campaign and we’ll call it, ‘The Church on Fire!'” The idea is that church members just give more tithe or pray more prayers or form more action committees. Then the fires of Pentecost could be recaptured!

But such thinking misses the point of Pentecost. Why was the early church so enthusiastic and so committed? It had nothing to do with programs or policies, but everything to do with Jesus. It was all about Him. They had been captivated by His ministry and message; they had been shaken to the core by His sacrifice. And they were overjoyed that the risen Lord had chosen them as His own. It was all about Jesus.

When Paul wrote, “For me to live is Christ,” he was not speaking as if he were fascinated by a new concept about God. He was talking about the truth. Paul knew his very existence depended upon Jesus. Everything he did and accomplished was driven by his first encounter and connection with Christ. His words are those of a smitten lover, not a theologian.

Pentecost is no mystery, though the church often treats it as mysterious. Want to know the secret to what the first believers experienced? Then rediscover Jesus. Learn about Jesus. Focus on Jesus. Believe in Jesus. Be filled with Jesus. Fall in love with Jesus. Then the Fire and First Love of God will fill His church once again.