(Revelation 3:14-22)…..14 “And to the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write, ‘These things says the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God: 15 “I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. 16 So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth.17 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— 18 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. 19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent. 20 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. 21 To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne. 22 “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” ’ ”
Jesus presents Himself to the Laodicean’s as the – “Amen.” “Amen” is a Hebrew word that means, so be it, let it be so, it is so, it is true, or it is trustworthy. It is also translated as “verily,” which expressed the ideas of faithfulness and truth, it is a word of confirmation and finality. When Jesus comes to this church, He comes as God’s final word to humanity (Hebrews 1:2). He comes as the confirmer of all God’s promises (2 Corinthians 1:20). He presents Himself as the “the faithful and true witness.”
It is God alone Who is faithful. His faithfulness in Scripture is described as…….
- Everlasting – (Psalm 119:90)
- Established – (Psalm 89:1-2)
- Unfailing – (Psalm 89:33)
- Great – (Lamentations 3:23)
- Without comparison – (Psalm 89:8)
It is God Who is the True witness – His true witness is seen in passages such as….(Matthew 12:18) (John 1:18) (John 3:11) (John 3:32) (John 8:14) (John 18:37). Now, notice that Jesus presents Himself to the Laodiceans as “the beginning of the creation of God.” This identifies Jesus as the Creator and the Controller of all things (John 1:3) (1 Corinthians 8:6) (Ephesians 3:9) (Colossians 1:16-17) (Hebrews 1:2). Not a speck of dust can move in this universe without His permission. He is the One in control. In spite of what some people may think Jesus is the King (Psalm 2:1-6) (Daniel 7:14) (Zechariah 6:13) (1 Timothy 6:15). It would do us well to remember Who Jesus is, He is still God’s final word to the church.
What would be our response to Jesus’ introduction of Himself if we were to receive the same letter? Would we acknowledge Jesus as the “Amen?” Is He the final authority in our life, or do we listen more to men’s wisdom than to God’s? Would we acknowledge Jesus as the One who is faithful and true? Is He the One that remains faithful even if we prove to be faithless towards Him (2 Timothy 2:13)? Tell me, why would you say Jesus is faithful? Would you acknowledge Jesus as True (John 14:6) (John 1:14)? Do these character attributes of Christ move you? – How?