“I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see” (Revelation 3:18)
TEXT — Revelation 3:14-22
Message
The story is told of an old man who was asked to declare his wealth. Instead of listing material possessions, he declared his riches as a mansion in heaven, everlasting life, peace that surpasses understanding, unspeakable joy, divine love that never fails, a crown of life, a faithful wife, health, happy and obedient children, loyal friends, and songs in the heart. It was stunning and sobering for all that heard him. What more can anyone describe as true riches if not these imperishable and enduring bestowals that can only come from the ultimate Giver of life?
The Laodicean believers faced rebuke because they had misplaced their priorities and mismatched their values. They were, therefore, exposed by God, who tore off the rags of their deluded mindset about what true riches mean. Their emphasis on material possessions that have no eternal value only reveal the focus of many in our modern society. Sadly, many so-called Christians fail to heed the counsel of Scriptures that warn and exhort believers to lay less emphasis on the things of this world that can overcharge the heart, dull the mind, and blindside us from having a clear vision of pursuing heaven’s goal and treasures.
Thankfully, the all-knowing God has offered the materially rich but spiritually destitute people a timeless counsel: to “buy” (believe and act on) the priceless word of God that builds faith, as well as repent and put on the “white raiment” of righteousness. That spiritual garment is obtainable only through Jesus Christ, the Saviour of the world. It is heaven’s treasure of inestimable value through which all who promptly and implicitly obey God will truly reap and enjoy earthly possessions and heavenly riches.
Thought for the day
The actual value of your life is measured by the value you place on spiritual riches.
Listed among “500 most powerful people on the planet” by the Foreign Policy magazine in 2013, Pastor (Dr.) William F. Kumuyi is the founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Christian Life Ministry (DCLM) headquartered in Lagos, Nigeria. DCLM started in 1973 as a 15-member Bible study group right in Kumuyi’s apartment at University of Lagos where he was a lecturer. His revolutionary Bible teaching on personal holiness and commitment to evangelism soon gained so much traction and resulted in a widespread revival.
