“Be Earnest, And Repent!”

“Be Earnest, And Repent!
Each of the letters addressed to the angels of the seven churches in Revelation addresses peculiar issues unique to a specific church which we here contextualize as congregation and/or denomination. Within these congregations/denominations some exceptions are often made to individuals; but on the whole the issues addressed are structural.
The angel of a congregation/denomination has a great responsibility to take care of his charge. “Old habits die hard” does not only refer to humans as individuals but to the spirit upon which an institution is established; including congregations and denominations.
Addressing the letters of the churches to the angels of those churches is as much a wake-up call to the angels as it is to the churches.
Today’s inspiration comes from the message to the Laodicean church. They are regretably neither cold nor hot. They are lukewarm. But the Lord says, “I wish you were either one or the other!” Their being lukewarm stems from their structural mindset of self-conceit. They say, “I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.” In that self-conceited spirit of self-satisfaction they do not realise that they are “wrectched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked.”
It can be so to the individual as well as to the church. *The Laodiceans took great pride in financial wealth, an extensive textile industry and a famous eye salve. What is the source of your great pride as a congregation, denomination or infividual?The Lord’s counsel is, *”buy from me gold refined in fire and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness, and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see.”*
Yes my friend, God detests us being lukewarm. He would rather spit out than tolerate those who are neither cold nor hot.
Whichever plan of action God takes is intended for the good of the individual and the church. He says, “those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest, and repent. Here I am! I stand at the door and knock, if anyone hears my voice andopens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me…”(Rev.3:14-22).
This message is addressed to us the body of Christ as a congregation/denomination and as individuals. Key note here: Do not be lukewarm! Stop being right in your own eyes! Be earnest and repent!
The Lord is not impulsive as he stands at the door of your congregation/denomination or your heart knocking waiting patiently for you to invite him in.
Weekend prayer: Thank you Father for your rebuke and discipline. Lord Jesus Christ, I repent; come into my heart and fill me with your Holy Spirit. Amen!
Have a blessed weekend! Peace be with you!