Introduction

Revelation 3:14–22: The church in Laodicea is chided for being lukewarm and is encouraged to turn from their sins.

Today’s Key Verse: Revelation 3:21 GNT

“To those who win the victory I will give the right to sit beside me on my throne, just as I have been victorious and now sit by my Father on his throne.”

Read

14 “To the angel of the church in Laodicea write:

“This is the message from the Amen, the faithful and true witness, who is the origin of all that God has created. 15 I know what you have done; I know that you are neither cold nor hot. How I wish you were either one or the other! 16 But because you are lukewarm, neither hot nor cold, I am going to spit you out of my mouth! 17 You say, ‘I am rich and well off; I have all I need.’ But you do not know how miserable and pitiful you are! You are poor, naked, and blind. 18 I advise you, then, to buy gold from me, pure gold, in order to be rich. Buy also white clothing to dress yourself and cover up your shameful nakedness. Buy also some ointment to put on your eyes, so that you may see. 19 I rebuke and punish all whom I love. Be in earnest, then, and turn from your sins. 20 Listen! I stand at the door and knock; if any hear my voice and open the door, I will come into their house and eat with them, and they will eat with me. 21 To those who win the victory I will give the right to sit beside me on my throne, just as I have been victorious and now sit by my Father on his throne.

22 “If you have ears, then, listen to what the Spirit says to the churches!”

Reflect

What are your thoughts about the message to the church in Laodicea, particularly verse 16? What is the church instructed to do to counter their behavior (verse 19)? What are your thoughts about the claim that God rebukes and punishes those he loves? What does the entire verse teach you about God?

Pray

Holy God, I am listening to what the Spirit is saying. You are knocking on the door to my heart. I open that door to you so that you may reign in my heart forever. Amen.

Tomorrow’s Reading

Revelation 4:1–11: John describes a vision of worship in heaven.