Revelation 3:7-22
In this passage of scripture, the final two
churches receive their letters written by the apostle John. In each of
these letters the apostle John is communicating those things which God
has told him to write. Most churches received some praise along with
very stern warnings about those areas where they needed to repent. Very
few of the letters contained only positive words, but the church at
Philadelphia only receives praise from God about their faithfulness.
John writes, "I know your works...for you have a little strength, have
kept my word, and have not denied my name" (3:8). Because of their
unwavering commitment to truth, God promised that one day He would set
the record straight and cause their enemies to submit to them. John also
wrote that God would "keep them from the hour of trial which should
come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth" (3:10).
This "hour of trial" referred to the future judgment of all those who
reject Jesus Christ, which is known as the seven-year tribulation period
(Revelation 6-19). This period would follow the removal of all
Christians from the earth (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18) and precede the
millennial reign of Jesus Christ on earth (Revelation 20:1-6). These
words would have been strengthening for the church at Philadelphia since
they were presently being persecuted by the religious leaders and many
in their community (3:9). This promise provided hope. We all need hope
in the midst of our struggles. Instead of quitting when your faith is
tested, look forward to the hope of the future kingdom and eternal life
in the presence of God.
The final church which received a letter
was Laodicea (3:14-22). John writes, "I know your works, that you are
neither cold nor hot. I wish you were cold or hot. So then because you
are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My
mouth" (3:16). These words must have been pretty stinging to the
Laodiceans. John described them as people who say, "I am rich, have
become wealthy, and have need of nothing - and do not know that you are
wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked..." (3:17). God was
condemning them for neither being passionate for God or openly
rebellious against Him. My guess is that this church was full of false
converts who professed Christ, but did not really have a relationship
with Him. They were a church in name only. There was no passion or zeal
for worshipping or serving God. Laodicea just existed without having an
effect on anything or anyone around them. God commanded them to repent
and turn to Him for salvation (3:18- 19). If there is one church that
reflects many of our modern day places of worship, it is the church at
Laodicea. In my opinion, many churches are refuges for the unconverted
and those who attend church to relieve a guilty conscience. Since many
churches have also forsaken their mandate to call people to repentance,
it is left with individuals who are failing to deal with the true root
of every problem - sin. Our churches must not tolerate sin and call
people to turn to Jesus Christ who alone can bring forgiveness and
healing to the broken. May God help us listen to all the letters written
to the seven churches of Asia Minor. May we avoid the same sins so that
we may become a church who is carrying out God's commands (Matthew
28:18-20; Acts 1:8).
Dear God, call all churches to true repentance that we may be a bright light for the entire world to see (Matthew 5:16).