THE NARROW PATH TO THE RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD - DAY 45

by Rev. Robert John Cericola, Carroll, OH - EUA 

Day 45

Love Knocks

Revelation 3:16–20 (NKJV) So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth. 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 - I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see. As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore, be zealous and repent. Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.

Because of their material possessions, the Laodiceans had mistakenly assumed their wealth was an indication of their having a good spiritual relationship with God. However, in the Lord’s rebuke he counseled they seek real spiritual treasures instead of gold, and white garments of His righteousness as clothing, and instead of the healing eye salve Laodicea was known for, He urged them to seek from Him, the medicine that would open their eyes to the truth. 

Many in western societies today have mistakenly assumed wealth is an indication that God is blessing them and therefore their spiritual relationship with Christ is solid. But nothing could be further from the truth. The Bible definitely bears out that God wants to bless His people but the pursuit of wealth instead of pursuing a relationship with Christ has caused many to grow lukewarm, halfhearted, and uninterested in growing their relationship with Christ. They have lost focus and left the Narrow Path to Relationship in search of prosperity, when a relationship with Christ is really the only prosperity that counts and lasts forever.

Just as He did with the Laodiceans, the Lord seeks to restore His relationship with those that He loves by knocking on the door of our hearts (exposing our halfhearted ways) and asking us to repent.  When we repent, He comes in, our fellowship is restored and we return to the Narrow Path that leads to Relationship with God 

             

Ending Thoughts

Thank God for His continual love toward us. Do not be afraid to ask Holy Spirit to reveal areas in your life where you maybe growing lukewarm. Remember His rebukes are from His loving heart and not meant to punish you. They are meant to return you to a relationship with Him, which is the greatest treasure anyone could have.