TEXT:
‘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’ (Revelation 3:18).
Some Bible commentators think that the seven churches in Asia Jesus wrote to in the Book of Revelation, represent different Church ages, while others feel it describes a cross-section of the state of the Church in any generation. While it is true some denominations in the UK are in decline, that is not true for all. Those that are thriving are the ones who promote active evangelism, the baptism in the Holy Spirit, and the return of Christ.
The Laodicean Church is an accurate description of many churches in the West. Those that enjoy an affluence and a form of godliness, but there is no power present in the services, neither preaching about nor praising of Jesus Christ.
Jesus, having exposed the Laodicean Church’s failings, encouraged them to do three things to restore authentic Christianity, and these form the basis of Today’s Teaching.
1. That you may be rich – ‘I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich’
The more gold is refined, the costlier it is to buy. Everyone dreams of having wealth, but how much will be stored up in heaven? The Bible says, ‘He did it so that you would never feel that it was your own power and might that made you wealthy. Always remember that it is the Lord your God who gives you power to become rich, and he does it to fulfil his promise to your ancestors’ (Deuteronomy 8:17-18 TLB). There are three things to be rich in, which will ensure we store up treasure in heaven.
- Rich in good works – ‘Tell them to use their money to do good. They should be rich in good works and generous to those in need, always being ready to share with others’ (1 Timothy 6:18 NLT)
We don’t do good to obtain salvation, but as an expression that we are saved. Let’s ask ourselves each day, “Who can I bless?” It can be as simple as a smile or an act of kindness.
- Rich in mercy – ‘But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much’ (Ephesians 2:4 NLT)
Let how God has dealt with us be the measure by which we deal with others. It’s so easy to condemn the mistakes of others and live with unforgiveness, while at the same time excusing our own failures. ‘Be merciful just as your Father is merciful’ (Luke 6:36 GNT). ‘Forgive us the wrongs we have done, as we forgive the wrongs that others have done to us’ (Matthew 6:12 GNT).
- Rich in faith – ‘Listen to me, dear brothers and sisters. Hasn’t God chosen the poor in this world to be rich in faith?’ (James 2:5 NLT)
The Bible shows the power of faith in action (For example see Hebrews Chapter 11). We may have little or nothing of this world’s goods, but that doesn’t have to stop us from having faith and using it to bless our own life and that of others. True faith will promote showing mercy and doing good works, all for the glory of God.
2. That you may be clothed – ‘And white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed’
Adam and Eve, by sinning, lost their supernatural covering of glory. They realised they were naked, covered themselves with fig leaves, and hid in shame from God’s presence (See Genesis Chapter 3). God made them tunics out of animal skins. The Bible reveals several things we are to be clothed with.
- Robe of righteousness – ‘For He has clothed me with the garments of salvation, He has covered me with the robe of righteousness’ (Isaiah 61:10)
The Bibles mentions ‘White robes’ (Revelation 3:5), and ‘Fine Linen’ (Revelation 19:8). All our righteousness is like a filthy rag compared to God’s gift of righteousness through Jesus.
- Garment of praise – ‘To console those who mourn in Zion, to give them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness’ (Isaiah 61:3)
This is another gift from God. The ability to give thanks at all times, and in all circumstances, because faith says, ‘All things are working together for good’ (Romans 8:28). The world is amazed when we can still praise God, even in times of sorrow and despair. When we do, it pleases God, for the Bible says, ‘Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus’ (1 Thessalonians 5:18 NLT).
- Humility – ‘Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble”’ (1 Peter 5:5)
This is not the proud, know it all Simon writing, but the older, wiser Peter. Always be willing to be clothed with humility, because God gives grace to the humble.
3. That you may see – ‘And anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see’
God sent Paul to the Gentiles, ‘To open their eyes, so they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God’ (Acts 26:18 NLT). He was blinded by a dazzling light outside of Damascus and needed the help of Ananias to open his eyes (See Acts 9:10-19). He prayed for the Ephesians that, ‘The eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you’ (Ephesians 1:18 NIV).
You may see clearly physically, but can you see spiritually? If you can, it will help to replace fear with faith. Elisha’s servant was in a panic, seeing the Syrian army that had surrounded him, but Elisha prayed, ‘Lord, open his eyes’ (2 Kings 6:17). Then he could see the heavenly army surrounding both him and Elisha.
Do you find it difficult to understand Bible subjects like healing, prosperity and being filled with the Holy Spirit? When you read your Bible ask the Holy Spirit to open your eyes and see the things that are not visible to the natural eye nor understood by the carnal mind. He has promised to lead believers into all truth if they let Him (See John 16:13).
May 2026 be a year of transformation as weak areas in our lives are made strong and we reflect clearly the Christ we love and serve.
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