Series on “I am Joe’s Favorite Verses”
Revelation 3:20
(Click on the link below to read the verses.)
Revelation
3:14-22
[Many years
ago, there used to be articles in the Reader’s Digest titled “I am Joe’s ___”
with the blank being filled with a body part or organ. Over the years, I’ve
written down verses that are meaningful to me on 3x5 cards. In this series
we’ll be looking at some of my favorite verses. In other words, “I am Joe’s
Favorite Verses”.]
Recently, my wife and I were enjoying a quiet brunch
after church. Suddenly, from across the small restaurant, a child screamed at
the top of his lungs. It was piercing! Then it was followed by another scream
just as loud.
Conversations stopped, as heads turned throughout
the restaurant to see what had prompted such an outburst. And, to see what the
parents would do about it. However, they seemed unfazed, and didn’t say or do
anything. Spare the rod, spoil the child… and our brunch.
The city of Laodicea was one of the wealthiest cities in Asia Minor. This was due in part because several trade routes intersected with it. Also, it was a commercial center for banking, clothing and carpet manufacturing, and they had a hospital that produced a special ointment to treat eye defects.
As a result, the citizens were extremely prosperous with
all the modern conveniences of the day… except for one. They had no natural water
supply! There were hot springs nearby, but the water wasn’t suitable. Also, you
could see snow covered mountains, but it wasn’t accessible.
To address this problem, water was piped from two
rivers that were about 5 miles south of the city through a sophisticated aqueduct
system. But because of how long it took to transport the water, it was lukewarm
at best when they drank it. Nasty!
Normally, the affluent citizens of Laodicea could
have whatever they wanted. All they had to do was buy it. But there was no
solution for the water. No doubt, this was a topic of daily complaints for the
well-healed residents of Laodicea.
Unfortunately, this same attitude of entitlement and
privilege was prevalent in the church and led to pride and complacency. When
John received his vision of what to write on a scroll to the seven churches of
Asia Minor, Laodicea was included. Here is what Jesus instructed him to write
to the Laodicean believers.
15 I know your
deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one
or the other! 16 So, because you are
lukewarm—neither hot nor cold —I am about to spit you out of my mouth. NIV
The IVP Bible Background Commentary, paraphrases it
like this:
But John’s message didn’t end with judgement and
condemnation. Jesus had provided a means for restoration; a means of
forgiveness.
19 I correct and
discipline everyone I love. So be diligent and turn from your indifference. 20 “Look!
I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will
come in, and we will share a meal together as friends. NLT
The church at Laodicea was being disciplined. Not
for yelling in a restaurant, but for being lukewarm in their faith. If you’re
not careful, life can do that. There are times when we’ve all been lukewarm in
our faith.
Thankfully though, Jesus’ promise still stands. He
is continually knocking at the door of our heart, waiting for us to open it and
fellowship with him. Therefore, “be diligent and turn from your
indifference”.
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