Buy Gold Refined by Fire

LAODICEA is last of the seven congregations to receive a message from the resurrected Jesus.  And what eye-opening, stimulating information it conveys!

Today, you would find the ruins of Laodicea near Denizli, about 55 miles southeast of Alasehir.  In the first century, Laodicea was a prosperous city.  sitting on a major road junction, it was a key center  for banking and commerce.  Sale of a well-known eye salve added to its wealth, and it was also famous for its high-quality garments produced locally from a fine black wool.   Lack of water, a  major problem for the city, had been overcome by channeling water down from hot springs some distance away.  Thus, the water would be only lukewarm by the time it arrived in the city.

Laodicea was near Colossae.  In writing to the Colossians, the apostle Paul mentions a letter that he had sent to the Laodiceans.  (Colossians 4:15, 16) We do not know what Paul wrote  in that letter, but the message  that Jesus now sends to the Laodiceans shows that they have fallen into a woeful spiritual condition. As usual, though, Jesus first cites his own credentials, saying:  "And to the angel of the congregation in  Laodicea write: These are the things that the Amen says, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation by God." -Revelation 3:14. 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 gently and mild, as refreshing as a cup of cold water on a swelteringly 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 out part always strive zealously as did Jesus to provide spiritual refreshment for others. -Matthew 9:35-38.

Next time: Buy Gold Refined by Fire-"You Say: "I Am Rich"

From the Book of Revelation

Why does Jesus call himself "the Amen"?  This title adds judicial weight to his message:  "Amen" is a transliteration of a Hebrew word meaning "surely,"  "so be it," and is used at the end of prayers to affirm the sentiments expressed therein. (1 Corinthians 14:16) Jesus is "the Amen" because of his flawless integrity and sacrificial death confirmed and guaranteed the fulfillment of all of Jehovah's precious promises.  (2 Corinthians 1:20) Since 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 goin gto vomit you out of my mouth." (Revelation 3:15, 16)