Open For Business

We all know about "call ahead seating" but "call ahead open?" Never in my lifetime have I found it necessary [on a normal work day] to call ahead to see if a business - established to sell products-services - was open for business! Jesus said to the Church at Ephesus, "But I have this against you, that you have left your first love." (Revelation 2:4). What a striking picture of many Believers who [at one time] professed faith in Jesus yet now have "closed up shop." Yes, they lead civil-moral lives but authentic love for God and things of God are far from their hearts; in essence, they've left He Whom their soul first loved [Jesus Christ]. John continues, "Therefore remember from where you have fallen, and repent and do the deeds you did at first." (V.5) He encourages-urges Believers to re-open themselves to The Business of The Gospel. Matthew Henry says it like this: "Let the ruling throne of Christ be apparent among us." And, Jesus said it best: "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." (Matthew 5:16). We know, of course, why many businesses closed; however, let it never be said of Believers we have closed our hearts and lives to living-out The Gospel before others. Be always open for His Business!