Chapter Thirteen/Buy Gold Refined by Fire

Benefiting From Reproof and Discipline

Let us return to the Laodiceans.  How will they respond to the severe counsel  from Jesus?  Should they be disheartened and feel that Jesus no longer wants them as his followers?  No, that is not the case at all.  The message goes on to say:  "All those for whom I have affection I reprove and discipline. Therefore be zealous and repent."  (Revelation 3:19)  As with discipline from Jehovah, Jesus' discipline is a sign of his love.  (Hebrews 12:4-7)  The Laodicean congregation should take advantage of his affectionate  concern and apply his counsel.  They should repent, recognizing that  their lukewarmness amounts to sinning.  (Hebrews 3:12, 13; James 4:7)  Let their elders put materialistic ways behind them and "stir up like a fire" the gift they have from God.  With the spiritual eye salve taking effect, let all the congregation find refreshment as from a cooking draft of cold springwater. -2 Timothy 1:6; Proverbs 3:5-8; Luke 21:34. 

What of us today?  Jesus continues to 'love his own that are in the world.' This he will do "all the days until the conclusion of the system of things."  (John 13:1; Matthew 28:20)  His love and affection  displayed through the modern-day John class and the stars, or elders in the congregation.  (Revelation 1:20)  In these very trying times, the elders are deeply interested in helping all of us, old and young, to keep within the confines of the theocratic fold, resisting the independence, the materialistic greed, and the immoral filth of the world. If we receive strong counsel or discipline at times, remember that "the reproofs of discipline are the way of life."  (Proverbs  6:23)  All of us are imperfect and should be zealous   to repent as necessary so that we may be readjusted and remain in God's love. -2 Corionthians 13:11. 

We must not allow materialism, riches, or the lack of riches to make us lukewarm. Wealthy can aid in opening up new possibilities  of service, but it can also be dangerous.  (Matthew 19:24)  A well-to-do person may feel that he does not need  to be zealous  in the preaching work as others, providing  that he makes sizable donations from time to time. Or he may feel that being wealthy entitles him to favors.   Additionally, there are many pleasures and pastimes open to a wealthy person that others cannot afford.  But those diversions  take up time and may draw the unwary away from the Christian ministry, thus making the indiscreet  one lukewarm.  May we avoid all such snares and keep "working hard and exerting ourselves" wholeheartedly, with everlastin glife in view. -1 Timothy 4:8-10; 6:9-12.

Next time: Chapter Thirteen/Buy Gold Refined by Fire - 'Taking the Evening Meal'

From the book of Revelation