A Revelation Invitation

“And to the angel of the church in Laodicea write: …
“‘For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing, not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked.’” (Revelation 3:14a,17 ESV)

Within the memories of most of its citizens, Laodicea and several other area cities had been devastated by an earthquake. Caesar suspended tax collection for these towns and offered additional financial aid to help rebuild. The other cities in the area gladly accepted Rome’s generosity. However, Laodicea was so wealthy that it declined the Roman aid choosing to finance its own recovery further reinforcing the city’s culture of self-sufficiency. While it was admirable for Laodicea to take responsibility for supplying its own needs, it was corrupting for Christians to be so self-sufficient.

Jesus articulated this unhealthy independence when he said, “For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing.” Blind to how Jesus saw them, they lacked that poor-in-spirit heart that Jesus had preached during his earthly ministry. The gold in their bank accounts did them no good. The most alarming factor in his accusation is that they were unaware of their condition! How could they address their infirmity if they didn’t know that they were ill?

Out of love for his church Jesus spoke hard truth. As the beginning of God’s creation, Jesus had the right to speak this way. As the Amen, his words might seem harsh but they were true. As the faithful and true witness, he had lived what they needed to be:

• Jesus accused the Laodiceans of being wretched. Hadn’t Jesus become wretched himself when on the cross he took upon himself the sins of the world?
• Jesus described the church as pitiable. During his trial hadn’t Jesus become most pitiable himself as he was beaten, mocked and spit upon?
• Jesus countered that the disciples were actually poor. Hadn’t Jesus himself given up the riches of heaven when he was born the son of a poor girl from the backwater town of Nazareth?
• Jesus noted that the church suffered from blindness. At his crucifixion when the world went dark, hadn’t Jesus himself become blind to his Father’s presence?
• Jesus exposed the Laodicean church as naked. When he was nailed to the cross, hadn’t Jesus himself hung naked between heaven and earth?

Jesus’ straight talk was the healing medicine that the church in Laodicea needed. When we realize our own wretched and pitiable condition, we will in humility turn to Jesus depending on him to open our eyes, to shower us with riches and to cover our shameful nakedness. When he returns, Jesus will create us anew.

Lord Jesus, open my eyes that I may see myself as you see me. On the last day, I do not want to surprised by my wretchedness. I don’t want to live my life blindly not realizing my true spiritual condition. Make me aware of my short-comings that I may rely on you to cover them. And be patient with me. Amen.