Revelation 3 - 6.26.24
Scripture
“As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten, Therefore be zealous and repent.” (Revelation 3:19 NKJV)
Observation
The book of Revelation is a record of Apostle John about the revelation he received about the end times. The book opens with Jesus’s messages to the seven churches of that time. Jesus addresses the church of Laodecia in this passage. Laodecia was a wealthy city, and the people were prosperous. The people of the church felt that they were wealthy and needed nothing. They were so content in their materialistic pursuits that they were unaware that they were wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked (Rev 3:17). Jesus counsels them to buy from him true riches - gold refined in fire, white garments and salve to put on their eyes so that they can see clearly (Rev 3:18). Jesus reminds them that he chastens and disciplines His children whom he loves. He urges them to repent, so that they will not be chastened. What was the sin of the church of Laodicea? They were complacent. They were so comfortable in just going along with life. They had forgotten their first love. Jesus tells them that they were neither hot nor cold, they were lukewarm. The imagery here is of a drink like coffee, which tastes great when it is hot or ice-cold, but disgusting when it is lukewarm and makes the drinker spit it out.
Application
Let us examine ourselves. Are we on fire for God? Or have we lost our flame? Have we allowed ourselves to be so comfortable with all the blessings God has poured on our life, that we no longer seek Him like we used to? Have we slipped into complacency, just going through the motions of Christian life? If we have, let us repent. Let us ask God to restore us to our first love. Jesus’ goal is our character. He looks at our heart. He wants us to grow and be like Him. If there is disobedience in our life, He will chastise and discipline us, just like how a loving parent disciplines an unruly child. No discipline is pleasant for a child who is going through it. Similarly it is painful when we go through God’s disciplining process, but God produces in us a “harvest of righteousness and peace” for those who are trained through God’s chastisement (Hebrews 12:11).
Prayer
Father, thank you for making me your child. Thank you because your love for me is far beyond what I can understand. Everything I have in my life is a blessing from you. I don’t have anything that I haven’t received from you. Please convict me if I have been complacent and lost my first love. Please help me to repent and draw close to you. Restore my first love. Help me to love you above all else, and seek your kingdom first. Help me to draw near you, knowing that when I do, you will draw near to me (James 4:8). Whatever you have allowed me to go through in life, I know I can trust you with it, because you will bring a harvest of righteousness and peace through it. Everything works together for good for me, because I love you and I am called according to your purpose (Romans 8:28). In Jesus’ name. Amen
- Asha Chacko George
