LOST THAT LOVIN’ FEELING
Opening Prayer
Jesus, renew my love for You today.
Read Revelation 3:14–22
To the Church in Laodicea
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.”
New International Version (NIV)
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Reflect
What do you need from Jesus today in order to be passionate and to go on faithfully persevering and enduring?Laodicea was a major city, proud of its financial wealth and famous for cloth made from the black wool of the local sheep. There was also a medical school, known for its eye treatments. Nearby, there were warm mineral spa waters at Pamukkale and cool spring waters at Colossae. But in Laodicea the water was lukewarm; an aqueduct brought in fresh water. Those who tried the local sulfurous water might well spit it out (15,16). How does Jesus use each of these and why (17,18)?
Jesus’ words are not a complete rejection—Jesus longs for them to be passionate again (15). Like a bridegroom, he knocks at his bride’s door as part of the wedding invitation, full of romance and passion. The words of verse 20 are similar to those in Song of Songs 5:1,2 where the king knocks on the door of his beloved’s heart, wanting to go in and feast with her. To whom do you think the words of verse 20 are said? Read them in the context of the surrounding verses.
There are seven promises to these churches of Asia Minor, for those who “persevere” or “overcome” or are “victorious.” The original Greek tense implies a continuous, repeated action. This plea for ongoing perseverance in the face of difficulty is typical of apocalyptic writings. What might that say to you, or to your church and its leaders?
Apply
Have you lost your first love? Read this passage again and notice the Lord’s instructions. Which of those instructions do you need to follow today?
Closing prayer
Jesus, I hear You knocking at the door. Here I am; I open the door. Come in and dwell with me.
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