I Don't Need a Thing | Revelation 3
Welcome to Real Life. I'm strong and self-sufficient. I've got it covered. I don't need a thing. Oh, really?
Laodicea was the wealthiest city in Phrygia during the time of Christ. Laodiceans were not unlike us. Americans hold the richest standard of living in the world. In the book of Revelation, Jesus sends a message to the wealthy Christians of Laodicea:
Isn't this where I live? I have plenty of food, shelter and clothing. I don’t need a thing (though I want many things). I don’t need to trust God for my next meal. My refrigerator is full. It’s easier to trust in wealth than in God.
However, Jesus sees from a different perspective. In his eyes, these self-sufficient believers are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked – spiritual beggars. His advice:
I stand naked before my God. He sees beyond my outward self-sufficiency down to my stubborn, sin-stained soul. No matter how hard I try, I keep messing up. That’s why I need Jesus. His blood paid for my sin. He bought white clothes to cover my nakedness. When I get to know and trust him, I begin to see life from his perspective. My eyes are opened. I stop blindly chasing the latest greatest thing this world offers. It only makes me happy for a little while. I begin chasing Jesus’ gifts of pure gold – love, grace, forgiveness, peace, joy, wholeness – gifts that will satisfy me forever.
Jesus’ words are motivated by love. He knows our deepest needs and longs to meet them. He wants to be an integral part of our lives.
[1] Revelation 3:17a
[2] Revelation 3:18
[3] Revelations 3:19-20
Image from: http://bracken2000.moonfruit.com/communities/6/004/011/039/536/images/4577298044_497x480.jpg
Laodicea was the wealthiest city in Phrygia during the time of Christ. Laodiceans were not unlike us. Americans hold the richest standard of living in the world. In the book of Revelation, Jesus sends a message to the wealthy Christians of Laodicea:
However, Jesus sees from a different perspective. In his eyes, these self-sufficient believers are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked – spiritual beggars. His advice:
… buy gold from me—gold that has been purified by fire. Then you will be rich. Also buy white garments from me so you will not be shamed by your nakedness and ointment for your eyes so you will be able to see. [2]His prescription is not an easy pill to swallow. Gold is purified through an intense refining process. So is life. I can’t travel very far in life before I encounter trials, hardship, and pain. (My sister had chemotherapy this week for stage 4 breast cancer. My mom is suffering from a wound that won’t heal.) These experiences act as a refining fire. They burn away the distractions. I begin to see what really matters. I cannot purchase love, peace, or good health. When life is easy, prayer feels optional. But when I’m hurting, I need God. When I need God, I am spiritually rich.
I stand naked before my God. He sees beyond my outward self-sufficiency down to my stubborn, sin-stained soul. No matter how hard I try, I keep messing up. That’s why I need Jesus. His blood paid for my sin. He bought white clothes to cover my nakedness. When I get to know and trust him, I begin to see life from his perspective. My eyes are opened. I stop blindly chasing the latest greatest thing this world offers. It only makes me happy for a little while. I begin chasing Jesus’ gifts of pure gold – love, grace, forgiveness, peace, joy, wholeness – gifts that will satisfy me forever.
Jesus’ words are motivated by love. He knows our deepest needs and longs to meet them. He wants to be an integral part of our lives.
I correct and discipline everyone I love.Jesus is knocking. He wants to come in and share the joys and trials of life with me. Will I let him? Or, will I leave him outside. He never enters uninvited. He knocks and waits.
So be diligent and turn from your indifference.
“Look! I stand at the door and knock.
If you hear my voice and open the door,
I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends.[3]
Dear Jesus, nothing this world offers can satisfy my hungry soul. I need you. I hear you knocking. Please, come in.
[1] Revelation 3:17a
[2] Revelation 3:18
[3] Revelations 3:19-20
Image from: http://bracken2000.moonfruit.com/communities/6/004/011/039/536/images/4577298044_497x480.jpg
This is all too true, Peggi. America is the richest nation in the world, but also the unhappiest. Greed cannot be satisfied as I well know. It is a shame that it takes hard times to grow close to Jesus but this has been true in my life so I do not resent or regret any of it. I love to need Him because my own inadequacy is so grievous. Thank you for another gently honest post. Your love shines through your messages.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Linnea. I want to know God without needing God - it's impossible. Your words are water to my soul!
ReplyDeletelove, peggi
Hi Peggi,
ReplyDeleteOne of the hardest things to accept in life is the grace of God, because we don't have to do anything for it. It is a gift and we humans steadily strive to earn it. It reminds me of one of my most favourite verses of scripture. You many find it in the book of Romans chapter 5 verse 8. Let me paraphase it the way it has been revealed to me in my heart. God demonstrated that he loves me in that while we were still sinners he gave his only son to die for us. To think that everything that I need is wrapped up in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ is phenomenal.
We can only recognize our true needs in life, when we acknowledge the grace of God and in that acknowledgement we realize how much we need Jesus.
Thank you for an enlightening article.
Shalom,
Patricia
Thanks, Patricia. Yes, it is phenomenal. So simple, yet I'm still plumbing the depths of God's amazing grace! Thanks for stopping by and writing, dear friend.
ReplyDelete