Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me. – Revelation 3:20
In the early chapters of the Book of Revelation, Jesus addressed letters to seven churches in Asia Minor. One of them, Laodicea, was situated in the Lycus River Valley, the most southern and eastern city of the seven. Laodicea received water in aqueducts from two sources: the mountains and hot springa. When mixed, the water was lukewarm. Like the water, the church was no longer spiritually refreshing. The wealthiest of the seven, they were also self-satisfied and smug, seemingly more concerned over their economic and social position than their spiritual standing. They had fallen out of fellowship with the Savior. This is why Jesus said he stood outside, knocking on their door, waiting for them to answer and to restore their fellowship with Him.
There is a pattern to the seven letters. They begin with Jesus describing Himself, followed by a diagnosis of the condition of the church. Then, He gives a call to action accompanied by a danger to consider. Finally, He declares that those who conquer or overcome will receive a reward. The church in the United States, and many individual Christians, have been compared to that in Laodicea. Compared to the rest of the world, they are rich in wealth but complacent about spiritual things. Jesus’ message to the church in Laodicea was multi-faceted, but one thing on the list was to repent. Self-sufficiency has led to worthless lukewarmness. Many have placed Jesus on the outside. He still longs to be on the inside, which is why He is depicted knocking.
Maintain your love and devotion to the Savior. Do not allow the “deceitfulness of riches, and the desire for other things” to “enter in and choke the word” (Mark 4:19). If you attend a lukewarm church, pray for their repentance and God’s guidance as to where you fellowship. Open every part of your life to the Lord so you may enjoy a sweet relationship with him—sweeter as the days go by.
Today’s Verse: Revelation 3:20
Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Recommended for further reading: Revelation 3:14-22
14 “And to the angel of the church in Laodicea write: ‘The words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of God’s creation.
15 “‘I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot! 16 So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth. 17 For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing, not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked. 18 I counsel you to buy from me gold refined by fire, so that you may be rich, and white garments so that you may clothe yourself and the shame of your nakedness may not be seen, and salve to anoint your eyes, so that you may see. 19 Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline, so be zealous and repent. 20 Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me. 21 The one who conquers, I will grant him to sit with me on my throne, as I also conquered and sat down with my Father on his throne. 22 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’”
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
