A Revelation Invitation

“And to the angel of the church in Laodicea write: … Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline, so be zealous and repent.” (Revelation 3:14a,19)

Jesus had some very harsh words for this church. He was disgusted with them. Because the church was so self-satisfied and complacent, Jesus’ rebuke was needed or else they might never awaken to their condition. “Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline.”

Verse 19 is one of my favorites in the seven letters because I deeply identify with this church. The discipline of the Lord is indeed painful. I have experienced it myself. Because of blindness to my own condition, his correction caught me by surprise. Being unaware of my nakedness before God, my shame was suddenly (and mercifully) exposed. Because of my pride, I had been unwilling to accept the poverty of my condition before God. When sternly confronted by my sin, the pain of Jesus’ reproof pierced me deeply. Those who know me well, know just how necessary his rebuke was and how seriously I needed his discipline. But the pain of his discipline was an act of mercy. His correction was a loving gift.

Now, whenever I experience emotional pain in my life, I don’t run from it. And I don’t consider myself as a victim. I look for the correction the pain might indicate that I need to make. Though it is not pleasant, I welcome it. It’s the painful correction of a loving Savior.