Revelation 3:14-22 - The Church in Laodicea - Doors Wide Open
God will, if we humbly and sincerely ask Him, give us ears to hear what He was and is saying to the churches. But be prepared to put in some work. You gotta be an active listener as they say. We must know something about the history of Israel, Judah, Babylon, Persia, Greece, and Rome (the more you study that history, you are richly rewarded; it is a marvelous joy and fascinating story - read not just the biblical passages but also historical books). And we must listen through the word of God including, Daniel, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and Hosea. God will bless anyone with a heart open and reverently willing before Almighty God to hear.
As growing Christians, we understand that our opinions and the teachings of man mean nothing if they are not congruent with the truth of the Risen King. We must be careful what and who we stand for and what we believe. Being part of God’s eternal people - the Kingdom of Heaven - that’s how high the stakes are.
Dear God, what are You saying to me? And what are You saying to the church in Lynchburg, Virginia? I need not know and I don’t ask what You are saying to the churches in Saskatoon, Calgary, Dubai, Denver, and Spokane. But I pray that my brothers and sisters in those places have hearts and ears wide open to hear from our God who knocks on the doors of our hearts daily and desires to sit and fellowship. And I pray that we are all aligned and unified in Christ. May we know His mission for us and what it means to love each other and to make disciples? God willing, we will achieve His objectives for each of us.
John wrote down the revelation. But these words are unmistakable from Jesus Christ. Revelation is the report of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ (1:2). Of course, none of us wants a bad report. We all want an ‘atta boy.’ I do for sure. But God is not soft on sin. Indeed, He can’t be. It is against His character for He is the Source of our salvation; He paid the penalty for our sin.
Jesu tells us that in this life there will always be temptations to sin. But God forbid that we be the ones tempting, enabling, overlooking, or encouraging others to sin. Jesus says that we must watch ourselves daily a) to not fall to the temptation that our evil desires will present, and b) that we not do the tempting (Luke 17:1-3).
But highlight the difference between what Jesus says in our requirements to follow Him and what the modern church does. Jesus says, “If another believer sins, rebuke that person; then if there is repentance, forgive. Evin if that person wrongs you seven times a day and each time turns again and asks forgiveness, you must forgive” (Luke 17:3-4).
We don’t need more ‘atta boys,’ self-promotion, and tickling of our ears to make the lukewarm church more fat and happy. We need to recognize the need to rebuke sin, forgive, and repeat as necessary. And when (not if) we are the sinner we are the ones that ask forgiveness of our wives, friends, coworkers, and family members.
When we trust and obey Jesus Christ we should say “We are unworthy servants who have simply done our duty” (Luke 17:10). That's our mindset.
The Laodiceans got a strong rebuke from God for their sin. They failed to honor Christ. They were arrogant and proud. The men did not take responsibility to lead their families as men of God are commanded to lead. They were fat cats, wanting an add-on Gospel - one that says, "We have everything the world offers - we are rich - and oh ya, I guess we are Christians too and God is on our side." God sees right through such garbage, such fake Gospel. Lukewarm Christians.
These blogs get too long so I’ll conclude. But please read this important message to the Laodiceans. God is both rebuking us and encouraging us. God wants us to be rich - in Him. He wants us to be pure - in Him. God will open your heart and eyes right now. He loves us more than we can think or imagine. God wants us to hear and see (3:18). Jesus corrects us and disciplines us because of His love for us.
Lord Jesus, You are our Judge. And our King. But You are also our Dear Friend. And our hope. Please grow encourage and strengthen the family of God today. Everywhere, including here in Lynchburg. Amen.
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