Revelation 3:19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent.

 

Over the past couple of months, we have studied Jesus’ letters to the seven churches found in the 2nd and 3rd Chapters of Revelation. In these letters, Jesus commends each church for their right doing and condemns them for their evil works. Jesus had something good to say to all of them except the church in Laodicea. To them, Jesus had nothing good to say.

 

The Laodiceans were rich and they loved all that they had. They were faithful to meet together and enjoy each other’s company. They loved their big fancy building and all their material goods but they had no love for Jesus.

 

The Name of Jesus was not lifted up in the church in Laodicea. They made no time for the Holy Spirit of God to operate in their church. They were too busy celebrating each other and bragging about how much money they had and how beautiful their building was. In their eyes, they were in need of nothing because they had the money to buy anything they wanted. God knew the condition of their hearts and Jesus wrote to them and said 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.” (Revelation 3:17)

 

In the sentence prior to this, Jesus literally told them that they make Him sick! So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth. (Revelation 3:16) Jesus could not find a single thing good to say about the church in Laodicea. Their focus and their motives were completely misplaced and for this, Jesus wrote to them a letter of very strong rebuke.

 

While the Laodiceans believed in Jesus, they failed to do what Jesus instructed them to do as the Body of Christ; His Bride; His Church. Instead, they became their own group. They were like a social club or group of like-minded friends who got together to worship each other.

 

There are millions of churches just like this today. They have huge bank accounts, beautiful buildings, and a lot of well-paid people who work there. They preach a prosperity gospel one Sunday and a social gospel the next. They pat each other on the back and gloat over their new cars, expensive clothes, and big, fancy houses. I wonder what Jesus would write to these churches. I’m afraid it would be much like His letter to the church in Laodicea.

 

Although Jesus found nothing good to say to them, He still offered them what He offered everyone He met. 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. (Revelation 3:18)

 

Jesus’ offer is still the same today. All the money in the world cannot buy what Jesus Christ has to offer. Everything Jesus has for us is absolutely free. This life we live is but a blip in the whole scheme of things. Let us remove our eyes from the things of this world and cast our gaze on Eternity. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus and His Finished Work on the Cross of Calvary. Let us strive to live our lives pleasing to Him so that we may one day receive from Him a beautiful white garment to wear for all of eternity. This is the Hope of Glory! Hallelujah!

 

He’s coming back to…...….turn the tide

 

Living for Jesus,         Doreen

 

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