Editor’s Note: This is the second part to a discussion on Jesus’ message to the Laodicean Church and its relevance today.
We must wake up, and that is what Jesus’ message of love to the Laodicea Church is all about. So, how you will respond to this message is the missing link between just a message and a message that makes a difference and brings about the church that Jesus is longing for from His people.
Let’s go through the steps preceding the second coming, but in reverse:
- The last event is the coming of Jesus.
- The gospel is carried throughout the entire world.
- The church experiences the “latter rain,” “the loud cry,” and “the second Pentecost.”
- An understanding of the message of Laodicea leads to heartfelt prayer, genuine repentance, and true humility.
Many want to see a change take place, but don’t know how to start. Here, Jesus lays it out for all to see. Jesus gives these instructions in love and whom the Lord loveth, He chastens.
So far, this may just sound like just Bible talk, so let’s put this into language that fits daily life and what it will look like to let Him take control. Let’s start with a few things to consider.
- In what way might you feel “I am rich, increased with goods, and have need of nothing”?
- The early Seventh-day Adventist Church focused on the Sabbath truth more than on the Lord of the Sabbath.
- We may “have the truth” but not “Live the truth.” Without a relationship with God, we are wretched and miserable, poor, blind, and naked.
He does not leave us with our problems without giving us solutions, and ones that He will supervise personally, and not just leave us on our own. Again, He is knocking at the door and asking to come in, so we are not on our own for this transformation.
How do I buy Gold tried in the fire? The gold that is purified by fire is the faith that works in love. But it costs something; true love requires commitment and time. We need to give up some of our personal free time because of love for those in need.
White raiment to cover my nakedness? This is the righteousness of Christ. He doesn’t just cover us up with His white covering, but He wants to inhabit us—“Christ in you”—and transforms us into His image. When the earth is filled with the glory of God, it is Christ that they see, only because you have allowed Him to live in you.
And eye salve, to begin seeing? For clarity of discernment, to move beyond a surface relationship into one where Jesus teaches and we understand. Before Pentecost, the disciples were blind to so much that Jesus was trying to teach them. With the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, they not only understood but were able to declare truth in a clear manner that the receivers of the messages understood as well.
How do I recognize His knocking? When our desire is to do His will, we will recognize His knock. God does not play games with us. When we are willing, He is ready to connect, give us His spirit, and make our work effective. He has been waiting so long for us to open the door! He will not hesitate to come in and use us to the fullest.
What do I do to let Him in? Just respond to His voice. When we read His word and when we pray, we will discern what He wants us to do.
What is the outcome of my zealous repentance? You get a life free of regret and confusion—repentance brings victory. He is on our side, and now we are working together.
These are the steps that will change your life and will make the Church the force that will draw all seekers of truth. Choices are made and Jesus will come.
It is time to wake up and get up!
—Rick Mautz is the Rocky Mountain Conference Wellness Support director. Photo by Sherif Emad of Pexels.
