Wed.’s Devo - The Church of Laodicea

Rev. 3:13-14 The church ages overlap and the fruit and the curses are carried on to the next age. The church at Philadelphia seemed to be the culmination of all the blessings and the next church, Laodicea, seems to be the culmination of all the curses. This is the church age we are living in and it is the last. Laodicea means “people’s rights”. We have another term we use to mean the same thing- entitlement. The city of Laodicea was a financial and political powerhouse. Many philanthropists lived there and it was the seat of a great medical school. It was known for its arts and sciences and the people worshipped Zeus, only. They had many earthquakes there which eventually lead to its evacuation. The fact that they worshipped one god caused the statement, “one God, father-of-us-all” to become a motto. It is meant to bring unity and sounds good, only it is pertaining to the wrong god. It will lead to the one-world government. This age believes in Socialism - socialized medicine, housing, etc., the belief that we all should have the right to have the same as another. This will continue to grow until God comes down and shakes everything that can be shaken just like an earthquake. The city was rich just like our churches. We have chosen to be seeker friendly over godly friendly. Who do we want to come to our church - the world, or God? I think it is fine to have nice churches, because the temple that Solomon built was opulent and beautiful, but every brick had a meaning. And most importantly, God orchestrated that blueprint. Looking at the ministry of Jesus, he didn’t say what was politically correct, he said what was true. He was not afraid to point out sin, and he wasn’t concerned by dwindling crowds. If we have to become seeker-friendly to pay a monthly note, then our motives have become totally off. We are not to glitter with bling, but we are to shine as lights. When we shine forth the Holy Spirit, he draws people to us like a moth to the flame. Lord, help us to not get wrapped up in our image but to be immersed in yours.