Just use the handle!
Opening Prayer
Jesus, it is a wonder that You, Lord of glory, longs for relationship and extends an invitation to me.
Read REVELATION 3:14–22
[14] “To the angel of the church in Laodicea write: These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God’s creation. [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. [17] 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. [18] 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. [19] Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent. [20] 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. [21] 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. [22] Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” Scripture taken from the THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, NIV Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Reflect
What does the picture of Jesus at the door speak to?I guess few Discovery followers are dastardly villains. Most Christians lead moderately comfortable, rather unspectacular lives. Doubtless many readers also carry burdens to do with family, health or other worries, but these, too, can often seem dull rather than dramatic. To such believers, in ancient Laodicea and today, this letter has two messages. First, a lukewarm faith is not merely of limited interest to our Lord; instead, it enrages him (16)! If we are moderately fine, semi-committed, inoffensive Christians, our true status in God’s eyes is spelled out with painful clarity in verse 17. History records Laodicea as an affluent city, a place where it was dangerously easy to settle into a complacent, lukewarm mode of living. No special wickedness is recorded here, yet this, of all seven letters, is the one in which the Lord’s words to his people are the most harsh. And yet—second message—how he loved them! This church also has a star and lampstand of its own (1:20). Jesus is their faithful friend. He stands at the door of their hearts. He longs for them—and for us—to open the door and let him in.
Apply
If you believe you are poor, naked and blind (17), ask Jesus now for that gold, those white clothes and eye salve (18).
Closing prayer
Precious Lamb, who laid down Your life that I might be free, I come on the basis of Your work on the cross and no other.
Click here to sign up to receive the EXTRAs via email each quarter.
© 2024 Scripture Union U.S.A. All rights reserved. Reproduction of the whole or any part of the contents without written permission is prohibited.
Discovery is published in the USA under license from Scripture Union England and Wales, Trinity House, Opal Court, Opal Drive, Fox Milne, Milton Keynes, MK15 0DF.