The Way - Day 213 (Revelation 3)

Pastor Tom's Journal on Today's Reading:
REVELATION 3:7-22
In this passage of Scripture, the final two churches receive their correspondence. In each of these letters, John is communicating the things God told him to write. Most churches received some praise along with very stern warnings about areas where they needed to repent. Very few of the letters to the seven churches exclusively contained positive words, but the church at Philadelphia receives only praise from God about their faithfulness. John writes, "I know your works...for you have a little strength, have kept my word, and have not denied my name" (3:8). Because of their unwavering commitment to truth, God promised that one day He would set the record straight and reveal the faithful heart of the church in Philadelphia (3:9).

John also wrote that God would "keep them from the hour of trial which should come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth" (3:10). This hour of trial refers to the future judgment of all those who reject Jesus Christ, which is known as the seven-year tribulation period (Revelation 6-19). This period of time would follow the removal of all Christians from the earth (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18) and precede the millennial reign of Jesus Christ on earth (Revelation 20:1-6). These words would have strengthened the church at Philadelphia since they were being persecuted by religious leaders and many in their community (3:9). This promise provided hope. Everyone needs hope in the midst of struggles. Instead of quitting when your faith is tested, look forward to the hope of God’s future kingdom and eternal life in His presence.

The final church to receive a letter was Laodicea (3:14-22). John writes,
"I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were cold or hot. So then because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth." (Revelation 3:16)

These piercing words must have brought fear upon the Laodiceans. They described themselves as people who were "…rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing - and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked..." (3:17). God was condemning them for neither being passionate for Him or openly rebellious against Him. They lived in between obedience and rebellion. Most likely, this church was filled with false converts who professed Christ, but did not have a genuine relationship with Him. They were a church in name only. There was no passion or zeal for worshipping or serving God. Laodicea existed without having an effect on anything or anyone around them.

God commanded them to repent and turn to Him for salvation (3:18-19). If there is one church that reflects some modern-day places of worship, it is the church in Laodicea. Some churches have become sanctuaries for those who do not truly love God but enjoy attending a church to relieve a guilty conscience. Since some churches have also forsaken their mandate to call people to repentance, the gathering is left with individuals who are failing to deal with the true root of every problem - sin. The church must not tolerate sin. They must call people to turn to Jesus Christ who alone can bring forgiveness and healing to the broken. May God help us listen to all the letters written to the seven churches of Asia Minor. Let’s avoid the same trap so we may become a church who is obeying God's commands (Matthew 28:18-20).

Dear God, call all churches to true repentance that we may be a bright light for the entire world to see (Matthew 5:16).