I am studying the book of Revelation from the Bible. It is a dynamic, action-filled book! It is known for it's prophecy of the end times. The title, "Revelation" means "unveiling". In this great book, we begin to see God's plan unfold for mankind. We see epic battles and we witness the majestic reign of God as the Victor over satan forever.
However, the main theme of Revelation is not prophecy - it is about the "unveiling" of Jesus Christ. In fact, the entire Bible points to the promise of Jesus - the Messiah, the Christ (meaning Anointed One.) He is the Lamb of God, the Word become flesh, the Image of the Invisible God. In Revelation, we see Jesus as the Reigning King. He is the Great I AM - the One Who Was, Who Is, and Who Is to come. The end of times points to Jesus as God.
If you have never read the book of Revelation, you will be surprised to find that it begins with Jesus speaking to His church.
Before the "unveiling" story is told, Jesus has important messages for seven churches. The fact that these messages come first in the book suggests priority of order. The fact that Jesus, Himself gives the messages to the writer shouts an emphatic intensity.
In Revelation, chapter 3, Jesus addresses the Church of Laodicea:
These things says the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God: "I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. 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.
Jesus is "frustrated" with His church because they are lukewarm. He explains that it is "because they were wealthy and have need of nothing." Sometimes, having everything perfect and tidy in our lives causes problems for us spiritually. God wants to provide for us. He wants to prove Himself and will answer our prayers in the way we would hope. However, if we base our spiritual thermometer on whether or not God has answered every prayer the way we think He should, then we miss the bigger picture.
Most of the time,
it is when we find ourselves in need that we seek God the most.
God knows that only He can fill our longing … with Himself. That may be why He doesn't always give us what we THINK we need. He gives us what we TRULY need - more of Him. God is MORE THAN ENOUGH!
I am learning that my greatest need is not my concern for today (money, security, etc.). My greatest need is Jesus - more of Jesus, less of me. More of His character, less of my will. More surrender and abandonment of the things of the world, more embracing my Savior and the riches of His love.
As I journey through this life, I want to learn how to let go of the things I think I need, so I can more fully embrace the power, the glory and the revelation of who Jesus truly IS!
