The Message To Laodecia (4)

The Antidote

Even though the Laodiceans had become lukewarm and spiritually blinded, Jesus did not reject them or disassociate Himself from them. He warned them to wake up and change. And He gave them advice on how to do this. “I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see,” said Jesus (verse 18). In this statement, Jesus used three well-known local products to illustrate spiritual principles.

First, was “gold refined in the fire.” While Laodicea's wealth meant it had a great deal of gold within the city, the concepts Jesus had in mind were related to spiritual character. Almost 500 years earlier, the prophet Malachi wrote of Christ's second coming, “But who can endure the day of His coming? And who can stand when He appears? For He is like a refiner's fire and like launderers' soap. He will sit as a refiner and a purifier of silver; he will purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer to the Lord an offering in righteousness” (Malachi 3:2-3).

Similarly, Peter wrote, “In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 1:6-7). Jesus advised the Laodiceans to buy this kind of gold.

Secondly, while local Laodicean merchants produced fine garments from the black wool of the area, Jesus advised buying “white garments.” In doing so, He wasn't simply referring to a different colored garment—but different behavior. In Revelation 19:8, at the marriage of the Lamb, Jesus said His wife, the Church, “was granted to be arrayed in fine linen, clean and bright, for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints.” In the context of the great battle that will take place at Armageddon at Christ's return, He also said, “Behold, I am coming as a thief. Blessed is he who watches, and keeps his garments, lest he walk naked and they see his shame” (Revelation 16:15). Jesus told the Laodiceans they needed to be concerned about their spiritual clothing.

Thirdly, Jesus spoke of their need for eye salve so they could see. While the Laodicean's famous Phrygian powder was widely used for eye problems, Jesus was referring to spiritual insight, wisdom and understanding. Upon the successful return of 70 of His disciples who had been sent to various cities to preach the gospel of the Kingdom, “Jesus rejoiced in the Spirit and said, 'I thank You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things from the wise and prudent and revealed them to babes'” (Luke 10:21). Jesus told the Laodiceans they needed the spiritual vision to see their real condition and change.

 Encouragement

Lest some think He was uncaring in His correction, Jesus concluded His warning with an explanation of why He had been so critical: “As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent” (verse 19). Because He has no desire to see anyone suffer (2 Peter 3:9), Jesus' strong words of correction were delivered to the first century Laodiceans and us today. It is His hope that those who are in need of this advice will be zealous (eager) to repent.

Those who respond to Jesus' words are promised a great reward: “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me. To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne” (verses 20-21). What a wonderful blessing and opportunity!

Jesus concludes this message saying, “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches” (verse 22). This message and the ones to the other cities were not intended only for the instruction and correction of first century Christians, but for the entire body of Christ in all ages and parts of the world.

Those who are part of this body will undoubtedly resemble these first century congregations in both their actions extolled by Christ and in their sins and weaknesses. God, as a loving parent, will deal justly and fairly with all. The rewards and punishments will remain the same regardless of the age. May God grant us today the spiritual wisdom and understanding to heed our Savior's advice in His messages to His Church.  UN


God bless you all.