by Magdalena Kessy | 21 November 2020 08:46 pm11
Today, let us reflect on a prophetic warning that speaks directly to the time we are living in—a spiritual condition that Jesus said would mark the days leading up to His return.
In Matthew 24:12 (ESV), Jesus gives a sobering warning:
“And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold.”
This statement is part of Jesus’ teaching on the end times, also known as the Olivet Discourse (Matthew 24–25). He outlines various signs of His imminent return, and among them is this heartbreaking condition: the cooling of love in the hearts of many.
What kind of love is this? While it certainly includes love between people, a deeper look into Scripture shows that the primary love being lost is the love for God Himself.
To understand what Jesus means, we must look at what the Bible calls the “first and greatest commandment.” When asked about the most important law, Jesus responded in Mark 12:29–30 (ESV):
“The most important is, ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one.
And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’”
And the second is like it:
“You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” (Mark 12:31, ESV)
Here, we see a clear priority:
So, when Jesus says “the love of many will grow cold,” He’s primarily referring to our love for God—which should be wholehearted, passionate, and enduring.
This warning is not about unbelievers. As Romans 8:7 (ESV) says:
“For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God’s law; indeed, it cannot.”
The world does not love God by nature. Therefore, Jesus is referring to professing believers—those who once followed Him, prayed, studied Scripture, served, and worshipped with zeal. These are Christians who, over time, allow sin, distractions, and spiritual laziness to erode their relationship with God.
This is what theologians call spiritual apathy or lukewarmness, which Jesus directly rebukes in Revelation 3:15–16 (ESV):
“I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot!
So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth.”
This issue is also addressed in Revelation 2:2–5 (ESV), where Jesus speaks to the church in Ephesus:
“I know your works, your toil and your patient endurance… But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first.
Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first.”
Jesus praises their perseverance and doctrinal purity, but rebukes them for leaving their “first love”—again, their love for Him.
He gives them a way back:
This three-step call is not just a suggestion—it is a divine command with a warning:
“If not, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent.” (Rev. 2:5)
The lampstand represents the presence, guidance, and spiritual vitality of God in a person’s life, a church, or even a nation. Removing the lampstand means spiritual darkness, confusion, and decline.
In the Old Testament, we see how the nation of Israel suffered exile and destruction when they turned away from God. The prophet Jeremiah, for instance, mourns the fall of Jerusalem, which came after years of persistent sin and spiritual rebellion (see Jeremiah 25:4–11).
It doesn’t happen all at once. It starts subtly:
The result is a believer who is “lukewarm”—present in body, but absent in spirit.
But there is hope. God is always calling us back. Lamentations 3:22–23 (ESV) reminds us:
“The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end;
they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”
If you’ve drifted away from your love for God, today is the day to return.
Return to the place of prayer. Return to the Word. Return to worship. Return to your first love.
As James 4:8 (ESV) promises:
“Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.”
If you’re reading this, it’s a sign that your lampstand is still burning. The grace of God is still present in your life. But don’t wait until the flame dies out. Now is the time to rekindle your love for Christ.
These are perilous times—just as Jesus warned. But in these times, the faithful are called to shine brighter than ever.
May the Lord bless you, strengthen you, and restore your first love.
Please share this message with others—it may be the wake-up call they need.
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