Read chapter in full: biblegateway.com/passage/?version=ESV&search=Revelation+003

 

Chapter 3 (ESV)

¹⁴ “And to the angel of the church in Laodicea write: ‘The words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of God’s creation.

¹⁵ “‘I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot! ¹⁶ So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth. ¹⁷ For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing, not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked. ¹⁸ I counsel you to buy from me gold refined by fire, so that you may be rich, and white garments so that you may clothe yourself and the shame of your nakedness may not be seen, and salve to anoint your eyes, so that you may see. ¹⁹ Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline, so be zealous and repent.²⁰ Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me. ²¹ The one who conquers, I will grant him to sit with me on my throne, as I also conquered and sat down with my Father on his throne.²² He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’”

 

REFLECTION:

1. Laodicea was a wealthy city. The church at Laodicea apparently shared in the prosperity. The Christians were self-satisfied and they comfortably fit in with the rest of the population.
2. Yet, God declared that “you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth.” For the people in Laodicea, lukewarm water was useless water, since it was no good for drinking (not cold) or for bathing in (not hot).
3. Take time to reflect: In what ways has your usefulness for the Kingdom of God been impaired by wealth, comfort, and your sense of entitlement, and you become “lukewarm”?
4. How do you see the patient and yet persistent grace of God at work in your church and in you as a member? What does God say to you through this passage?

 

PRAYER:

Dear God! Please examine me and let me reflect on whether I value wealth, comfort, and power, but my zeal for Your kingdom is no longer the same as before, and I have become a lukewarm Christian. Please have mercy on me, don’t abandon me, and let me continue to be your suitable vessel.

 

HYMN:

Lord, I Need You – youtu.be/LuvfMDhTyMA