Would you like to be rich?
Does God’s Love look like our Love?
Is there a point where God needs to stop us to show us true riches?
Is it possible that God’s Love sometimes seems like anger?
Please read Revelation 3:15-18
Could it be that God knows what is best for us?
If He does could it be that at times His Love “rebukes” us so we will change?
Could it be that those rebukes and difficulties could point the way to true riches of the soul?
If you are fortunate and blessed by God in this life you will have many difficulties. This is not an easy thing to say but I have seen in my life that it has been true. I also find it true that once we learn the reason for the difficulty its no longer difficult.
Vs. 15 “I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm- neither hot nor cold- I am about to spit you out of my mouth. You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked.”
Is it possible that the reason its so hard for the rich to find God is that they dont have a need?
If so is it possible that we should be thankful for our need?
Is it possible that many people in churches like this one in the passage do “deeds” that are not out of Love and as a result they are lukewarm?
To me “lukewarm” are people who do things out of a legalistic mentality. The acts or “works” of Love that God will put in your path are not works of law but works of Love. The fact of the matter is that these works cant be done “under the law” they can only be done “in Christ.”
Vs. 18 “I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire so you can become rich“
If you want to be rich with a gold that will last forever here is the key. Let God refine you!! This is not to say He will make you a zombie teacher of the law- Instead He will do a work in you to make you a Lover of All and a Judge of no one.
And He will give you:
Vs 18 “… white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see.”
He does away with your shame and He helps you to see a beautiful new world that only His Love can bring about.
Isnt it time you stopped trying to be righteous and became righteous?
Remember this passage was written to “church” people. These were people who went to church and “did” all the right things. They had all the money and power but they didnt have Jesus. How do I know this?
Vs. 19 “Those whom I love I also rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent. Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door I will come in and eat with him and he with me.”
Will God discipline you? Yes and that discipline will continue as long as you listen and watch and stay mindful of Him. But if you are earnest and you see your need and find Him- Its a party going on inside you!!
His discipline is not painful if we are attentive and learn the lesson the first time. The biggest lesson is this- “LOVE ONE ANOTHER!!”
Dont Worry Be Grace-Full!!
