Spiritually Bankrupt

The Gold Standard

By William M. Self, Sr.

 

 Store up treasures in heaven

Does God consider you wealthy yet?

 

Spiritually Bankrupt

The first century Laodicea, mentioned

 in Revelation 3, was a wealthy city.

The founders of the city built it

where two major routes crossed.

Three main industries in Laodicea fed these routes.

They produced a black wool that was prized by

the wealthy all over the known world at that time.

Second was a business of Medicine, renown medical schools and

with it came all the associated industries like pharmaceuticals.

They produced world famous salve to heal the eyes and ears.

From these two industries, and the vast wealth they

produced, a third business was developed…Banking.

Laodicea became a center for currency

exchange and money lending.

   When a earthquake demolished the city, they refused

help from Rome and rebuilt with their own funds.

Most cities build near a water source,

 but Laodicea is miles from water.

Cold water was abundant in Colossae, but by the time

it was piped ten miles to Laodicea it was lukewarm.

 

The hot springs of Hierapolis, eight miles away,

also became lukewarm by the time it reached the city.

The water piped in, either hot or cold, became

lukewarm by the time it reached Laodicea.

It is to this city Christ says…

“I know all the things you do,

 that you are neither hot nor cold.

 I wish you were one or the other! 

But since you are like lukewarm water,

I will spit you out of my mouth!”

The people were self-sufficient.

“You say, 'I am rich. I have everything

I want. I don't need a thing!'”

  

Yet, God saw them as spiritually

bankrupt and said to them… 

 

“I advise you to buy gold from me —

gold that has been purified by fire.

 Then you will be rich.”

It is to this type of person, Jesus says…

 "Look! Here I stand at the door and knock.”

Do you have time to let Christ in?

Or, is He like the salesman who

 you don’t have time or need for?

Are you drinking lukewarm water?

What does your spiritual bank account reveal?

Scripture Reading 

Revelation 3:14-22 NLT

14 "Write this letter to the angel of the church in Laodicea. This is the message from the one who is the Amen — the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God's creation: 

15 "I know all the things you do, that you are neither hot nor cold. I wish you were one or the other!  16 But since you are like lukewarm water, I will spit you out of my mouth!  17 You say, 'I am rich. I have everything I want. I don't need a thing!' And you don't realize that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked.  18 I advise you to buy gold from me — gold that has been purified by fire. Then you will be rich. And also buy white garments so you will not be shamed by your nakedness. And buy ointment for your eyes so you will be able to see.  19 I am the one who corrects and disciplines everyone I love. Be diligent and turn from your indifference. 

20 "Look! Here I stand at the door and knock. If you hear me calling and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal as friends.  21 I will invite everyone who is victorious to sit with me on my throne, just as I was victorious and sat with my Father on his throne.  22 Anyone who is willing to hear should listen to the Spirit and understand what the Spirit is saying to the churches."