Revelation 3:19-20
After Jesus offered to sell the Laodiceans heavenly commodity that would develop their spiritual condition, He said, “As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten; be zealous and repent” (19). Long before I knew the words “rebuke or chasten,” I now know that Momma rebuked and chastened my brothers and me. When we were disobedient, she would tell us she loved us, but you are going to get a whippin’. She always gave us loving words of encouragement, telling us not to do that again. She hoped the punishment would persuade us to correct our behavior.
Isn’t that Jesus’ expectation for His children? He rebukes and chastens those whom He dearly loves; the Amplified Bible says He is “showing them their faults and instructing them.” He commanded the church of Ephesus to “remember from where they had fallen, repent, and do their first work to avoid quick judgment” (2:5). Remember, God’s desire is that no man should perish, but that all should come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9b). So, yes, His expectation here is that the church of Laodicea will change from their lukewarm condition, be zealous, and repent.
Jesus told these Laodiceans, “Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hears my voice, and opens the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me” (20). Church, do not let your lukewarm attitude cause you to not repent and ignore Jesus’s knock at the door. Stop pretending you are hard of hearing and let Him come in.
Give God glory!