Revelation 3:14-22
Tuesday, 2 November 2021
“So, because you are lukewarm -- neither hot nor cold –I am about to spit you out of my mouth.” - Revelation 3:16
Chapters 2 and 3 in the Book of Revelation record the special message to the seven churches in Asia Minor in the first century. God commended them for their strength and warned them regarding their flaws. Though it was addressed to the then existing churches, but it speaks to conditions in the church throughout history. It also tells us the qualities that we the present church should seek and those we should avoid.
Here we see the message to the church in Laodicea. We don’t hear a praiseworthy voice here but only the rebuke for the lukewarm state of the church. We know that water that is neither cold nor hot, is often unpalatable. How had the church come to such a state? Neglecting mission work (Cf. Matt. 28:18-20) and holy living, the church had become hardened, self- satisfied and was destroying itself. It is dangerous to follow God in a half- hearted manner which is detestable for God (Vs.16) because it leads to wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked state (Vs.17). We should allow the Holy Spirit to fire up the faith in us, to move from faith to faith and putting the Great Commission into action- of winning souls for Christ.
Some believers count God’s blessing on the scale of material wealth (V.17) as the Laodiceans did. They regard splendid houses, keeping modern cars and other luxurious things of life on this earth as marks of God’s blessings. But no matter how much you own and what buying power you possess – you have nothing if you don’t have a vital relationship with your Savior Jesus Christ. Instead of focusing our life on comforts and luxury, let’s concentrate on the true riches ordained for us in Christ. The Parable of the Rich Fool in Luke 12:14-21 as spoken by Jesus is a lesson that “life does not consist in an abundance of possessions” but one need to be rich towards God (Luke 12: 14,21).
Though the Laodiceans possessed great wealth but Christ asked them to buy their gold (real spiritual treasure) from Him (V. 18). They were used to wearing rich clothes – But Jesus asks them to purchase the white clothes (His righteousness) from Him. The city was famous for their eye salve – But Christ urged to get medicine from Him (which heals their spiritual eyes to seek the truth).
All through this, God is making it clear to the church that our true value is not in our material possessions but in the right relationship with God. Through V.19 Christ is warning the church that He will start His disciplinary steps to bring people back for a living relationship with Him. This chastening process will be hard and the only way to avoid this is to draw near to Him in repentance and obedience.
As individuals and as congregations we must be on guard against a lifeless faith or lukewarm state. Christ Jesus made Himself clear how He feels about it and the consequence that awaits.
Now it is up to you to decide - to have a lukewarm life or a lively vibrant Christian life! Revelation 3: 22: “Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”
PRAYER: “Heavenly Father, help me to set my priorities right and to have a meaningful and vital relationship with Christ Jesus. Amen.”