Tag: Revelation 3
The Invitation!
Scripture reading for December 3: Revelation 3
“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. For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing, not realizing that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind, and naked. I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined by fire, so that you may be rich, and white garments so that you may clothes yourself and the shame of your nakedness may not be seen, and salve to anoint your eyes, so that you may see. Those I love, I reprove and discipline, so be zealous and repent. Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come to him and eat with him, and he with Me.” Revelation 3:15-20
Jesus Christ was personally dictating to John His prophetic Word for each group of believers. This seventh short letter was to the Laodicean’s who were complacent with their spiritual condition and were under the delusion that they had all they needed of Jesus and were secure in their salvation. Jesus gave them a different perspective on their true condition. They thought they were rich but they were really poor. They thought they were prosperous and had God’s blessing and favor, but Jesus revealed that they were poor and pitiful, blind and naked. Their eyes had been blinded to the truth and they needed eye salve from Him to bring healing.
Jesus revealed that it was His love for them that was behind the letter He dictated. Discipline and reproof were because of His desire to see them healed and truly blessed. Jesus longed to have a true relationship with these who claimed to know Him. He described His position outside of their lives as One who stood at their door knocking and calling out to them. They must hear His call and respond by opening their door. All who would do that would be able to sit with Jesus at table and eat with Him. They would receive true riches of a relationship with God and real clothing of righteousness to cover the shame of their nakedness. Jesus would apply eye salve to restore their sight and bring His world view into focus.
Have you examined your own spiritual condition? How do you think that Jesus Christ would address you today concerning that condition? As you listen to this passage, what action do you need to take in response to Jesus’ love and discipline?
Prayer: Father God, thank You for Your amazing love and watchfulness over Your people. Thank You for straight talk concerning my need to repent. I need the gold of faith that comes from hearing Your Word. I need the robe of Your righteousness to cover me. Anoint my eyes that I may see Your glorious face. Amen.
Jesus speaks plainly to His Bride!
Scripture reading for December 3rd: Revelation 3
Not many people love to be corrected. Yet the Bible teaches that “the Lord disciplines those He loves and punishes everyone he accepts as a son.” (Hebrews 12:6) In “this prophecy received by John from Jesus Christ, the Lord gives strong words to His Bride, the Church. We all would be wise to listen and heed what He has to say!
“To the angel of the church in Sardis write: . . “I know your deeds; you have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead. Wake up! Strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have not found your deeds complete in the sight of My God. Remember, therefore, what you have received and heard; obey it and repent. But if you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what time I will come to you.”” (Revelation 3:1-3)
Jesus knew the true condition of the hearts of those in this church. They had reputations and an image that they were trusting in, but they had been and were asleep and dead spiritually! Jesus told them plainly, not to condemn them but to warn them to repent! A change of mind was needed and a return to the original Gospel message and passion of trusting in Christ would put them back on track! Failure to respond would bring great disappointment when Christ returned. They would not be ready and their inheritance would be in jeopardy.
But there were a few in Sardis that were not asleep or dead! “They will walk with Me, dressed in white, for they are worthy. He who overcomes will, like them, be dressed in white. I will never blot out his name from the book of life, but will acknowledge his name before My Father and His angels.” (Revelation 3:4-5) Spiritual ears are required to hear the loving words of Jesus!