May 6: THE MOST PRESSING NEED
“Because you say, ‘I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing’—and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked—'’ Revelation 3:17
Laodicea was devastated by an earthquake in 60AD. The Roman Emperor Nero offered financial assistance, but it was turned down flat. The Laodiceans built back their city without any outside help. Their wealth was a great source of pride.
The pride of the city crept directly into the church. Jesus did not criticize the church for any heretical teachings or apostasy. And yet, He has nothing complimentary to say. This is a church whose status is one of self-sufficiency and indifference, but they do not know it.
On the eschatological scene, the development over the last four churches that Jesus addressed is worthy of our attention, for all four are, to one degree or another, still in operation. The church in Thyatira is known today as the Roman Catholic church. Jesus foresaw that she would not repent (2:21). The church in Sardis became the divided Protestant denominations whose exit from the Roman church was only partial and incomplete (3:2). The Philadelphia church came all the way out of Catholicism and founded a small, growing movement committed to the study and obedience of God’s word in its entirety. Although Jesus had no rebuke whatsoever for this church, it is by far the most criticized by those of Sardis.
Today, much of what was begun by Philadelphia has degenerated into Laodicea. You might say that, over the decades, many of those who came out of this movement have been devastated by the “earthquake” of criticism.
Today, the wealth claimed by the church of Laodicea is spiritual knowledge. This church is in possession of doctrinal truths. The Word has been studied forwards and backwards. The lives of the patriarchs and prophets are in full view. The works of the Apostles, the Reformers, and the many martyrs since Jesus was crucified are thoroughly taught. This church understands prophecy and its fulfillments in the course of history right up to this moment. It is a fact that this church possesses more light than any church in history. To say that we ‘have need of nothing’ is actually a revelation of our most pressing need: a humility borne of unreserved dependence, reliance, and surrender before God.
Is there any amount of spiritual riches that a church or an individual can possess to win eternal life? Absolutely not!
This poor man cried out, and the LORD heard him, And saved him out of all his troubles. Psalm 34:6