Revelation 3:14-22 (NKJV)
3:14 14 "And to the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write, 'These things says the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God: The name Laodicea
means either the people ruling or the judgment of the people. The Lord
Jesus speaks of Himself as the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the
Beginning of the creation of God. Jesus Christ is the "beginning of the
creation of God." Jesus Christ is the great Creator of the universe, the
Maker and Sustainer of the universe and all that is therein. Therefore, He is
the source of all—all good things, all real wealth and satisfaction, all purpose,
meaning, and significance in life, all love, joy, and peace that a person
experiences. Therefore, the church must not depend upon its prosperity: its
rituals, ability, energy, wealth, and resources. Its only hope for life is to
trust Him who is the beginning of creation, Him who alone can give the church
life both abundant and eternal life. Therefore, no matter how prosperous the
church, it is not the creator nor the sustainer. Christ alone creates and
sustains. The church's wealth and prosperity are meaningless and useless apart
from being absolutely centered in Jesus Christ.
3:15–17 15 I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot.
16 So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth.
17 Because you say, 'I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing'--and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked--The church at
Laodicea was neither cold nor hot.
It was sickeningly lukewarm. The
Lord would have preferred it to have been extreme in its indifference or its
zeal. But no—it was lukewarm enough
to deceive people into thinking that it was a church of God, and so
disgustingly lukewarm about divine
things as to nauseate the Most High. Furthermore, the church was characterized
by pride, ignorance, self-sufficiency, and complacency.
3:18 18 I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see. The people were
counseled to buy from the Lord gold refined in the fire. This may mean
divine righteousness, which is bought without money or price (Isa. 55:1) but
received as a gift through faith in the work of the Lord Jesus on the cross. It may also mean genuine faith, which when
tested in the fire, results in
praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ. (1 Pt. 1:7)
Also
the people were counseled to buy white
garments, that is, practical righteousness in everyday life. And they
should anoint their eyes with eye salve, that is, gain true
spiritual vision through the enlightenment of the Holy Spirit. This counsel was
especially appropriate, since Laodicea was known as a center for banking,
textiles, and medicines—especially eye salve.
3:19 19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent. The Lord’s love for the church is seen in the fact
that He rebukes and chastens it. If He did not care, He would not bother. With
lingering tenderness, He calls on this nominal church to be zealous and repent.
3:2020 Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me. Jesus is outside the door
of the professing church, politely knocking and inviting individuals (no longer
the mass of the people) to open their hearts in order to sup or have intimate fellowship
with Him.
Richard
Trench comments:
Every
person is lord of the house of their own heart; it is our fortress; we must
open the gates of it and make Jesus Lord of our lives. We have the prerogative
and privilege of refusing to open. But if we refuse, we displease Him and we
miss the power and blessings of God in our lives.
3:2121 To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne. The overcomer is
promised that he will share the glory of Christ’s throne and reign with Him over the earth during Christ’s 1000 year
reign. Those who follow Him in humility, in rejection of the things of the
world, and in suffering will also follow
Him in glory.
3:22 22 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches." Then
for the last time, the hearer is solemnly advised to listen to the voice of the Spirit.
Whatever
interpretation we take of the book of Revelation, it is undeniable that the
church of Laodicea presents a vivid picture of the age in which we live. Luxury-living
abounds on every hand while souls are dying for want of the gospel. Christians
are wearing crowns instead of bearing a cross. We become more emotionally
stirred over sports, politics, or television than we do over Christ. There is
little sense of spiritual need, little longing for true revival. We give the best
of our lives to the world, and then we give what’s left to the Savior. We cater
to our bodies which in a few short years will return to dust. We accumulate
instead of forsake, lay up treasures on earth instead of in heaven.
Invitation: Jesus is standing at your hearts door right now,
knocking. Will you let Him into the deepest recesses of your heart and mind and
soul? What is Jesus saying to you right now? What does He want
you to do? Do it and you will be blessed!
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