January 13, 2023

“I counsel you to buy from Me . . . white garments that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed . . .” Revelation 3:18b

The church at Laodicea is representative of the church at the close of time. It is the last church in the stream of time. The Laodiceans were financially prosperous and very confident in themselves. Jesus, in speaking of nakedness, had pointed out their spiritual failure in no uncertain terms and expressed His intent—if the condition did not change—to “vomit you out of My mouth” (v.16). But this graphically dramatic rebuke was accompanied by His encouraging counsel and a reminder of His love which reaches out to even the vilest sinner.

It is interesting that one of the main industries in Laodicea was centered around making clothing from a uniquely soft, black wool. Our Lord’s specifications of what to buy from Him included white garments, that you may be clothed. The obvious contrast is stark: their best-selling black clothes next to His own perfect righteousness. Remember that any ‘righteousness’ of our own is of no value whatsoever when it comes to salvation. Isaiah said: . . . we are like an unclean thing, And all our righteousnesses are like filthy rags (64:6). But Jesus says, in essence, to all sinners: “I want to cover you with My righteousness.” This offer is extended to everyone, for we are all sinners. Oh, what precious, priceless counsel is that of our compassionate Savior!

“As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent.” (v.19)