Jay Mijares’ lesson on Sunday was on “Seeing Things as They Really Are”, taken from Revelation 3:14-21. The apostle John wrote this letter to the church at Laodicea. Their city was a prosperous one, rich from its textile and banking businesses. They specialized in a fine, black fabric and a medicinal salve, as well. However, their business successes made them blind to their spiritual failings.
We can take 4 lessons from the Church of Laodecia.
(1) They trusted the wrong type of wealth. In gathering material wealth they became complacent in their spiritual lives. Their faith was lukewarm; they had lost their zeal in their belief. Hence, the message to them (verse 18) “I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see.”
(2) They used human standards to measure their spiritual condition instead of God’s standards. God’s “gold” is true spiritual richness. Material wealth can’t buy you hope or peace and certainly not everlasting life. Fire burns out impurities in gold. Our struggles through difficult times, being tested under pressure, strengthens our faith.
(3) God will only accept someone who is clothed in the righteousness of Jesus Christ. Laodecians couldn’t see their own sins, their weakness, their nakedness. Their healing salve could never cure their spiritual blindness.
(4) The Laodecians turned a blind eye to who they really were. They could not see their own failings, but God loved them enough to warn them (v. 19-20) “Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent.
Here I am! I stand at the door and knock.”
Jay left us with three questions to ask ourselves:
- Has your zeal for Jesus been dulled by distractions? Some temptations can suck the joy out of life. Jesus wants us joyful and focused on his love.
- What is one blind spot that you need to deal with today? It might be hobbies, traditions, or even jobs that are taking time away from your spiritual growth.
- Will you let the Lord Jesus Christ in to dine with you? We might be afraid to let Jesus in. We know he will see us as we truly are, but honesty builds a strong relationship. And he does love us regardless of our flaws.
Together we are stronger. Together we can look out for warning signs, temptations, and blind spots. We can overcome our weaknesses through our Lord Jesus Christ.
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