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Daily Devotional Bible Studies in Revelation

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Jesus Knocking at the Door : Day 19 blue flower

"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. 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 ointment to put on your eyes, so you can see. Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest, and repent. 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 him, and he with me. To him who overcomes, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I overcame and sat down with my Father on his throne. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches." (Revelation 3.18-22)

Laodicea

Laodicea Aquaduct

Laodicea was a wealthy city, and the church was also rich. Like Sardis, the church there was prosperous and free of persecution. But what the Laodiceans could see and buy had become more valuable to them than what was unseen and eternal. 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. This was offensive to a city famous for its wealth, eye ointment and its rich clothing.

Spiritual Treasures

Gold Coins

Laodicea was known for its gold, but Christ told the Laodiceans to buy their spiritual treasures from him. Gold and fire equal God's grace. The city was proud of its cloth and dyeing industries, but Christ told them to purchase white clothes from him (his righteousness). Laodicean black sheep produced beautiful black fabric. They were to exchange the glossy black wool for white clothes. White clothes was a symbol of an upright life; the city was noted for its violet and purple cloth. Laodicea also prided itself on its precious eye ointment or salve that healed many eye problems, but Christ told them to get medicine from him to heal their eyes so they could see the truth, to remove their spiritual blindness.

Uncaring Attitude?

Hardhearted Person

Are you half hearted in your devotion to God? God may discipline you to help you out of your uncaring attitude, but he uses only loving discipline. You can avoid God's discipline by drawing near to him again through confession, service, worship, and studying his Word. Just as the spark of love can be rekindled in marriage, so the Holy Spirit can reignite our zeal for God when we allow him to work in our hearts.

Jesus is Knocking

Jesus Knocking at the Door of Your Heart

Jesus is knocking on the door of our hearts every time we sense we should turn to him. Jesus wants to have fellowship with us, and he wants us to open up to him. He is patient and persistent in trying to get through to us, not breaking and entering, but knocking. He allows us to decide whether or not to open our lives to him. At the end of each letter to these churches, the believers were urged to listen and take to heart what was written to them. Although a different message was addressed to each church, all the messages contain warnings and principles for everyone. Which letter speaks most directly to your church?

Meditation

Do you intentionally keep his life-changing presence and power on the other side of the door?

Prayer

"Just the same, Just the same, He is just the same today."

tellout line "The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show his servants what must soon take place." tellout line

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