Observation: The message and warning to Laodicea is one of the more famous (and my favorite to consider), as it discusses both hot and cold water, with a complex historical metaphor behind it. However, after that warning is this amazing statement ... one of the most famous representations of Jesus in the entire bible, yet most don't know this is the source of the imagery.
Jesus warns the church about their lukewarm deeds and attitudes, and that as a result they may lose out on their blessing. He then effectively says two key messages as a response to this warning.
1) I rebuke you because I love you, so please, please respond to this rebuke and repent.
2) This is how much I love you ... I stand at the door of your hearts and knock, earnestly desiring you to let me in and to truly live within you. If you repent and open the door of your heart, I will gladly be with you.
Application: I have said this several times in the last six months especially ... I'm struggling with having the Holy Spirit inside me. I want that! I used to have that!! Now I feel I am missing him, and it hurts. It is evident in my actions and attitudes and my thoughts and my daily practices.
Well, I'm done with it. I open the door again!!! I am earnest in this and repent of my distracted life. I hear Jesus knocking, and I am answering again, renewing this in my life, and allowing the Holy Spirit into my heart and soul, hoping - begging - that he will enter, eat with me, and stay with me.
Prayer: Lord, with all my heart I say this today, please my your spirit live within me. Give me strength to remain on your path, not just as a general direction for my life, but as the one path I won't stray from hour by hour, and the narrow gate I will pass through, every moment of every day. Amen.
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