Rev. 3:14-22; Psalm 35:1-10

Rev. 3:14-22
Today we come to the last of the seven churches, Laodicea. In speaking to them, Jesus called Himself the "Amen," which is an Old Testament reference to God, and it means "truth." He is the "faithful and true witness;" He speaks the truth, and He IS the truth! When you think about it, we often don't really want to be told the truth about ourselves. The Laodiceans were about the hear the truth, and it would be painful.  It seems that the Laodicean church did not want to accept the truth from God. Honesty before the Lord is the first step we must take in order for God to bless us and use us. We take a hard look at who we are; we confess our sins; and we trust God for His best in our lives and churches.

What was the hard truth God gave to the church at Laodicea?

• Their spiritual temperature was lukewarm. vv. 15-16 The were comfortable and complacent and indifferent. Perhaps they took their salvation and blessings for granted. They were not fervent for the Lord, and they did not realize their spiritual needs! This makes God sick, just as lukewarm coffee might be disgusting to us.
• Their values were all wrong. vv. 17-19  They were apparently wealthy in material things and proud of it, but Christ says spiritually they were "wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked." It will be costly, in time, effort, and perhaps even persecution, in order for this church to get their priorities right.
• They had forgotten what Jesus had done for them. v. 18 The "white clothes" here represent Jesus righteousness "put on" us when we trust Him as Savior. Christ is urging them to cover their shameful sin with the righteousness of Christ.
• They were blind. v. 20 We might even say they were "tone deaf." Jesus was standing OUTSIDE their door. They could not see Him, and they could not hear Him. They didn't even realize their need of Him. Yet He remained ready to come in and meet their spiritual needs.

How should they and we respond to these truths?

• Repent. v. 19  "Be earnest, and repent." Because He loves us, God may have to rebuke and discipline us so we won't be lukewarm or materialistic or forgetful of His great love and grace toward us.
• Invite Christ to take control of our lives. v. 20 Don't leave Him out! We as individuals can do this. He wants fellowship with us, and He wants to use our lives. 

Psalm 35:1-10
David appeals to God to rescue him from his enemies. There are places in this world where it's very dangerous to be a Christian! And it may get worse, and it may hit closer to home. This psalm assures us that God is on our side. We can trust Him! "Then my soul will rejoice in the Lord and delight in his salvation. My whole being will exclaim, 'Who is like you, O Lord? You rescue the poor from those too strong for them, the poor and needy from those who rob them." vv. 9-10