Shabbat Message - September 18, 2026

Revelation 2: “To the angel of the Messianic Community in Ephesus, write: ‘Here is the message from the one who holds the seven stars in his right hand and walks among the seven gold menorahs: ² “I know what you have been doing, how hard you have worked, how you have persevered, and how you can’t stand wicked people; so you tested those who call themselves emissaries but aren’t — and you found them to be liars. ³ You are persevering, and you have suffered for my sake without growing weary. ⁴ But I have this against you: you have lost the love you had at first. ⁵ Therefore, remember where you were before you fell, turn from this sin, and do what you used to do before. Otherwise, I will come to you and remove your menorah from its place — if you don’t turn from your sin!

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In light of Yom Kippur that begins at sundown tomorrow and the end of the Days of Awe approaching, I was led to this passage for Shabbat Message.

The Problem: The Ephesians worked hard, stood up for truth, and stayed strong, but their deep, passionate love for the Most High had faded into a routine of duty.

The Steps to Return: Yeshua gives a simple three-step path back to that close relationship in Revelation 2:5:

1. Remember: Think back to where we started and how close we felt to G-d.

2. Repent: Turn our heart back from mere duty to genuine relationship.

3. Do the first works: Return to the simple habits of prayer, worship, and love that fueled our early faith.

This is a befitting lesson for us all as we draw near to the Day of Atonement.

Shabbat Shalom, Family ❤️