Most of chapter 3 reads like chapter 2. The messenger angels are to report from Jesus to each of three churches both the good news and bad news about their works and deeds. They serve as an encouragement and a warning, and then we come to verses 15-17 and read this warning to the church in Laodicea:
"I know your deeds and you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm -- neither hot nor cold -- I am about to spit you out of my mouth. You say, 'I am rich; I have acquired great wealth and do not need a thing.' But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked."
I have read commentaries that tell us that the word used for "spit you out" has more of a vomiting connotation that simply just spitting. So basically Jesus is telling these people that their lukewarm, fence-sitting ways make Him want to puke. I know His love is infinite and His grace covers all, but He also always tells the truth, apparently in vivid detail sometimes. These people make Jesus want to puke. I don't want to be that guy, although I feel like I am often as lukewarm as the Laodiceans.
Have mercy on me Lord, a sinner. Keep making me into the man You created me to be.
Friday, April 25, 2014
Friday, April 18, 2014
Revelation 2 - Good News/Bad News
In reading through Revelation chapter 2, a couple questions came to mind. First, does every church have an angel/messenger assigned to it? (v. 1, 8, 12 and 18)
Then, who in the world are the Nicolaitans? (v. 6 and 15). This site has some ideas. And this one has some similar, but slightly different ideas. I guess the bottom line is that whoever they were, Jesus was not at all happy with their doctrine and practices. Those who oppose the Nicolaitans are commended and those who do not are rebuked. It's fair to say that Nicolaitans = bad company.
Throughout the chapter we see a clear picture that for each of these churches it's kind of a mixed bag. There are things that Jesus praises them for, and other things that He holds against them (except maybe for Smyrna). But one important idea to notice seems to be that regardless of their faults, it's not too late. Each of these churches is promised a chance to be counted among the "victorious" who will eat from the tree of life (v. 7), not be hurt by the second death (v. 11), receive some of the hidden manna and receive a white stone with a new name (v. 17), and receive authority over the nations (v. 26).
Then, who in the world are the Nicolaitans? (v. 6 and 15). This site has some ideas. And this one has some similar, but slightly different ideas. I guess the bottom line is that whoever they were, Jesus was not at all happy with their doctrine and practices. Those who oppose the Nicolaitans are commended and those who do not are rebuked. It's fair to say that Nicolaitans = bad company.
Throughout the chapter we see a clear picture that for each of these churches it's kind of a mixed bag. There are things that Jesus praises them for, and other things that He holds against them (except maybe for Smyrna). But one important idea to notice seems to be that regardless of their faults, it's not too late. Each of these churches is promised a chance to be counted among the "victorious" who will eat from the tree of life (v. 7), not be hurt by the second death (v. 11), receive some of the hidden manna and receive a white stone with a new name (v. 17), and receive authority over the nations (v. 26).
Friday, April 11, 2014
Revelation 1 - Here We Go
Revelation. That word alone can be enough to make people who study the Bible shake their head. There is much that is difficult to understand. And much of the ideas that seem simpler to understand are frightening.
After eight verses of introduction, the narrative begins. Jesus appears to John in a vision with hair white as snow, eyes blazing fire, feet bronze like a glowing furnace, a voice like rushing waters, stars in his right hand, and if that's not enough, He has a sword coming out of his mouth. I can picture most of that, but the sword coming out of the mouth is a tough one. I can't imagine seeing all that and feeling anything other than absolute terror. And John falls at His feet "as though dead".
Yet we see right there in that scene Jesus reassuring John, "Do not be afraid," He says. And Jesus gives John the duty to write down all that he sees in this revelation. The next 21 chapters will tell that story.
After eight verses of introduction, the narrative begins. Jesus appears to John in a vision with hair white as snow, eyes blazing fire, feet bronze like a glowing furnace, a voice like rushing waters, stars in his right hand, and if that's not enough, He has a sword coming out of his mouth. I can picture most of that, but the sword coming out of the mouth is a tough one. I can't imagine seeing all that and feeling anything other than absolute terror. And John falls at His feet "as though dead".
Yet we see right there in that scene Jesus reassuring John, "Do not be afraid," He says. And Jesus gives John the duty to write down all that he sees in this revelation. The next 21 chapters will tell that story.
Friday, April 4, 2014
Jude -- Ouch
Reading Jude is not comfortable. Verses 3-16 have the subtitle "The Sin and Doom of Ungodly People". It's difficult to read some of the descriptions without having at least a slight bit of fear, wondering "am I one of the ungodly people who pollute their own bodies, reject authority and heap abuse on celestial beings"? I don't know about the heaping abuse on angels, but I've certainly done my share of the first two on that list.
The later part of the letter gets a little more encouraging, as we are called to "keep yourselves in God's love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life." I like the sound of that, and I love verse 24's reminder that Jesus is the one "who is able to keep you from stumbling".
Bottom line: my standing before God is solid only because of Jesus. Apart from Him I am a blemish at the feast, a shepherd who feeds only myself. Thanks be to God.
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