When Jesus talks, it’s smart to listen. He doesn’t mince words, or throw useless phrases around. You can see this clearly in Revelations, when He is sending a message to the seven churches. These were actual churches in the world at the time this was spoken, but also they are representative (stereotypes) of churches the world over, and certainly no less accurate now than then:
These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God’s creation. I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! (Rev 3:14-15)
Ouch…. Here Jesus is seriously calling out the church of Laodicea; but do you not see this still happening in some churches? There are many churches that seem to be social experiments or country clubs, more than the living and active Body of Christ. Think that was harsh? Just wait for what He tells them next!
So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth. (Rev 3:16)
Imagine coming in from a hot summer day in Atlanta (not hard for me to imagine right now) – let’s say you just finished mowing the grass…and you are seriously thirsty. You want nothing more than an ice cold glass of water to quench your thirst – but when you take a drink it’s a glass that’s been sitting on the counter since yesterday, and has that room temperature, stale taste to it.
Now imagine a church that has that same stale, ‘on the counter too long’ feeling to it. That’s what Jesus is talking about here. There is no Life, no Truth, no Spirit! Perhaps they have spent all their time trying to come up with activities that won't offend, and not enough time teaching the Word. Perhaps they were once ‘on fire’, but are now just gray dusty ashes. Whatever the case, they are no longer performing the duty of His Church. The Body of Christ is a living, breathing, active organism!
You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. (Rev 3:17)
As a proud American, this one is just too easy to understand. Nearly everyone in this country is “rich” by the rest of the world’s standards. We must be mindful that the riches of this world are just as easily a trap as a blessing. Do not believe the lie that this is all there is and all that matters! His Kingdom makes the U.S. of A. seem like Third World poverty by comparison. Don’t trade ANYTHING for His Glory!
I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see. (Rev 3:18)
His refining fire is called Love, Light and Truth! Be rich in His Kingdom, and whatever happens on this world will run a very distant second. We are naked and shameful in our sin and flesh, but we only see this awful truth if we look through beyond the veil, which He uncovered for us 2000 years ago.
Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent. Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me. (Rev 3:19-20)
He is standing at the door of your heart now – listen for His patient and loving knock, and open up to Him! If your heart is barren of ‘good food’ don’t worry – He will supply the feast!
To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I was victorious and sat down with my Father on his throne. Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. (Rev 21-22)
Wow – sitting with Jesus on His throne! Can you imagine? Be victorious in Christ – take hold of His promises – open the door of your heart to the One who is calling you! And never let this world get between you and what matters most...