Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, then I will come in to him, and will dine with him, and he with me. Revelation 3:20 WEB
This scripture describes God calling the church at Laodicea to repentance from sin. Previous verses describe church members in Laodicea as “lukewarm” in their service and devotion to the Lord. Material satisfaction led the Laodicean Christian population away from spiritual development in their relationship with God. Repentance opens the door to restored fellowship with the Lord.
The Laodiceans relied on their wealth for comfort and reassurance. Prosperity caused them to drift away from God. The Lord makes clear that man cannot serve both God and money. Jesus says in Matthew 6:24, “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money. WEB”
John gives the reason for Christ’s rebuke of the church writing in Revelation 3:17-18, “Because you say, ‘I am rich, and have gotten riches, and have need of nothing;’ and don’t know that you are the wretched one, miserable, poor, blind, and naked. WEB” The Lord calls the church to repent from the arrogance of their riches.
I Am the Door
Jesus is the door to forgiveness and restoration to God. We read in John 10:9, “I am the door. If anyone enters in by me, he will be saved, and will go in and go out and will find pasture. WEB” Followers of Christ are bound to put God first and rely on him to provide for our needs. As Christ instructed in Matthew 6:33, “But seek first God’s Kingdom and his righteousness; and all these things will be given to you as well. WEB”
Ignoring the material wealth of the Laodiceans, the Lord describes the church members as wretched and poor. He follows with these words from Revelation 3:19 that immediately precede today’s scripture. “As many as I love, I reprove and chasten. Be zealous therefore, and repent. WEB” Christ loves and therefore corrects the Laodiceans church to repent from their preoccupation with material and place God at the center of their lives.
Prayer: “Father God, thank you for loving me and correcting me. Thank you for revealing the truth of the importance of placing you first, above all things because you are first above all things. Bless us Father and forgive me as I forgive and am forgiven. In Jesus’ name – Amen”
Yesterday’s Devotional: The Heart Is Deceitful
