Special Gratitude Edition

Ouch! In Revelation 3, John takes dictation from Jesus as He addresses three churches who’ve lost their way. He doesn’t mince words, either. “You are dead. Wake up!” “Because you are lukewarm…I am about to spit you out of My mouth.” “…You are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind, and naked.”

Jesus – Whose eyes are described as “like blazing fire” in Revelation 1:14 – sees clearly and rightly into the state of our hearts, and when we lose our way as these early churches did, He calls us out.

These words may seem harsh to the outsider, but further reading reveals the true heart of our Savior. In Revelation 3:19, He says, “Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent.” Jesus wants to shake us awake from our spiritual peril. He alerts us to the danger of our pride, laziness, and complacency because He loves us!

He offers steps to guide us back to paths of righteousness, and He joyfully holds out rewards to those who heed His warnings. Forever dressed in white, our names written in permanent ink in the Book of Life, acknowledged before the Father and His angels, the invitation to come and eat with Jesus, and the right to sit on His throne with Him – these are the treasures available to God’s people who persevere and overcome.

So while the words of Jesus may seem severe, they’re spoken to us to bring us to our senses and to protect us from the consequences of our foolish choices and self-indulgent lifestyles.

Proverbs 27:5-6 says, “Better is open rebuke than hidden love. Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses.” Thank God that our Friend (and Lord and Savior!) loves us enough to openly rebuke us! May He provide many true friends who do us the great honor of speaking hard truth to us when we willingly go our own way. May we have the courage, wisdom, and compassion to be that kind of friend to others.

Jesus, You are the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Thank You for providing the Way back to You when we stray. Thank You for speaking the Truth to us so that we can hear and repent. Thank You for Your assurance of eternal Life for those who take to heart Your loving admonishment and respond in joyful obedience. Friends who are bold enough and wise enough to call us out of rebellion and apathy are truly a gift, and we are grateful. Holy Spirit, help us to love like Jesus does as we follow His example in this area of our lives. We pray in His beautiful Name, amen.

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“…Speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into Him Who is the Head, that is, Christ.” - Ephesians 4:15