Continue with Gold Refined By Fire

Why does Jehovah call himself "the Amen"? This title adds judicial weight to his message. "Amen" is a translation of a Hebrew word meaning "surely," so be it," and is used at the end of prayers to affirm the sentiments expressed therein. (1Corinthians 14:16) Jesus is "the Amen" because of his flawless integrity and sacrificial death confirmed and guaranteed the fulfillment of all Jehovah's precious promises. (2Corinthians 1:20) Sine that time, all prayers are properly addressed to Jehovah through Jesus.-John 15:16; 16:23, 24.

Jesus is also "the faithful and true witness." In prophecy he is often associated with faithfulness, truth and righteousness, for he is completely trustworthy as a servant of Jehovah God. (Psalm 45:4; Isaiah 11:4, 5;Revelation 1:5; 19:11) He is the greatest Witness for Jehovah. In fact,as "the beginning of the creation by God," Jesus has declared God's glory from the very start. (Proverbs 8:22-30) As a man on earth, he bore witness to the truth. (John 18:36, 37; 1 Timothy 6:13) After his resurrection, he promised holy spirit to his disciples and told them: " You will be witnesses of me both in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria and to the most distant part of the earth." From Pentecost 33 C.E. onward, Jesus directed these anointed Christians in preaching the good news "in all creation that is under heaven." (Acts 1:6-8; Colossians 1:23) Truly, Jesus deserves to be called the faithful and true witness. The anointed Christians in Laodicea would benefit by listening to his words.

What message does Jesus have for the Laodiceans? He has no word of commendation. Frankly, he tells them: "I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were cold or else hot. So, because you are lukewarm and neither hot nor cold, I am going to vomit you out of my mouth." (Revelation 3:15, 16) How would you respond to such a message from the Lord Jesus Christ? Would you not awaken and examine yourself? Surely, those Laodiceans need to bestir themselves, for they have become spiritually indolent, apparently taking too much for granted. (Compare 2 Corinthians 6:1) Jesus, whom they as Christians should have imitated, always displays a fiery zeal for Jehovah and his service. (John 2:17) Further, meek ones have found him to be always gentle and mild, as refreshing as a cup of cold water on a sweltering hot day. (Matthew 11:28, 29) But the Christians in Laodicea are neither hot nor cold. Like the waters that flow down into their city, they have become tepid, lukewarm. They are liable to be completely rejected by Jesus, 'vomited out of his mouth'! May we for our par always strive zealously, as did Jesus, to provide spiritual refreshment for others.- Matthew 9:35-38.

Next time: "You Say: 'I Am Rich' "