Today’s Reading:
Revelation 3:14-22
“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: ”I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot, I could wish you were cold or hot. So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth. Because you say, ‘I am rich, have become wealthy, and need nothing’ – and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked – 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. As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore, be zealous and repent. Behold, I stand at the door and knock, If anyone hears My voice and opens that door, I will come into him and dine with him, and he with Me. 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. ”He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” (vv. 14-22 NKJV)
Laodicea, now called Pamukkale was the wealthiest city in Phrygia during Roman times. It was popular for its banking industry, a medical school that produces eye salve, and textile industry, but its city lacked a supply of adequate water. It was said that an aqueduct was built to bring water to the city from hot springs. But by the time the water gets to the city, it becomes neither hot nor refreshingly cool but lukewarm. So, there was the saying that the church turned out to be a blend of the tepid water that enters the city (v. 14).
As lukewarm water is unpleasant for a drink, the church assumed Luke's warmness which made it distasteful and repugnant to God. Again, because of the wealth of the people, they could not take a stand on anything about the church, and their indifference led to their idleness. They neglected Christ; thereby the church destroyed itself by being hardened and self-satisfied (v. 15).
Nothing destroys our spiritual life than being half-hearted, and self-sufficient with a nominal attitude towards things of God. We should strive for spiritual growth and not be just at ease following Christ halfway. Our close relationship with Christ will flame our faith and stir us up for loyal service to Him.
Sometimes, we erroneously believe that our various material possessions are a sign of God’s spiritual blessing. Like the wealthy Laodiceans and their wealthy church, we must not allow worldly wealth that we can see or buy, to become more valuable than what is unseen and eternal. Worldly wealth, too much luxury, and being at ease (Amos 6:1) can make us self-confident, satisfied and complacent. Our enormous wealth which we see as security is nothing when we do not have Christ in our lives or a good relationship with Him. Take stock and find out how your possession has affected your spiritual desire and growth. Instead of centring our life on primary comfort and luxury which fades or may be stolen, let us seek genuine riches in Christ (v. 17) which does not decay. In short, Christ is saying that the true value of life is not in wealth or worldly possession, but in our relationship with God the creator of all things (Ps. 24:1-2). Perishable earthly possessions and achievements are valueless when compared to everlasting life in the kingdom of (v. 18; Matt. 6:19-21).
Jesus Christ is patiently waiting and knocking at the door of our hearts to come in. For how long do we have to keep Him waiting? He desires to have a self-willed relationship with us; we should surrender to him to have His way in our lives. We must not shut out our life from His life-changing presence and power. So make that life-changing decision today, surrender to Him.
OLUFUNMILAYO TITILOLA ADEKUSIBE
To surrender your life to Christ, say this prayer aloud: Father, thank you for Jesus Christ. Forgive my sins, take control of my heart and lead me in your righteous path by the power of Your Holy Spirit. Thank You, Lord. If you said the prayer, Congratulations! Prayerfully look for a living church and report to the resident reverend, pastor or priest.
Prayer:
I will love You with my whole heart, O Lord, my strength, my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer.
The fool has said in his heart, “There is no God.” They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, and none does good.
O Lord, help me to forever keep Your Word and never to renounce, deny or compromise Your name, in Jesus' name.
O Lord, thank You for Your counsel and for making my heart instruct me in the night season, in Jesus' name.
Lord, I have kept away from the paths of the destroyer; uphold my steps in Your paths so that my footsteps may not slip, in Jesus' name.
O Lord my God, keep me from spiritual and physical pride, in Jesus' name.
Our Father, visit Christian homes with Your love and mercy, unite the husband, the wife and the children to build a god-fearing family to the glory of Your name, in Jesus' name.
Unit the body of Christ with your love to harmoniously proclaim the Gospel of truth, in Jesus' name.
We commit the leaders of the church to Your care, Lord, grant them the fear of You in all their decisions, in Jesus' name.
O Lord of host, restore our nation, cause Your face to shine on Your people in favour and approval, and we shall be saved, in Jesus' name.
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