Lesson 84. The Laodicean Trap

The book of Revelation presents us with a picture of the final events in our world. Chapter 18 tells us that a great judgment will be executed upon sin and those who produce it. Never before in Earth’s history has there been a time when a particular group of people could influence the entire earth and impose its standards upon the whole world, increasing its treasures at the expense of other countries and enabling all who desire it to become rich. This seductive influence is called Babylon.

In the light of our lesson and the subject we are studying, I would like to draw attention to Revelation 18:23: “And the light of a candle shall shine no more at all in thee; and the voice of the bridegroom and of the bride shall be heard no more at all in thee: for thy merchants were the great men of the earth; for by thy sorceries were all nations deceived.” Do you see familiar words that we mentioned earlier? Let us recall the parable of the ten virgins. We encounter many symbols from that account here as well.

The word translated “sorceries” appears in the original as φαρμακείᾳ. I do not think it is even necessary to know Greek, because this word is very easy to recognize. It is translated as sorcery, witchcraft, or deception.

The word pharmacology itself is familiar to us as the science of medicinal substances. In the light of the Bible, however, it deceives all the people living in the world. Pharmacology involves influencing the human mind by medicinal and chemical means. We also read, “For all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication” (Revelation 18:3; see also Revelation 14:8).

We live in an age of great deceptions. The enemy of souls has built an entire industry of entertainment and enticement, and through these means of mass hypnosis he spreads his influence. None of us has escaped this deception. Christ describes such a condition with the words, “they all slumbered and slept”; yet there is a reassuring verse that says, “but I go, that I may awake him out of sleep.” We declare, “Lord, if he sleep, he shall do well,” but Jesus says, “Lazarus is dead.” Then we hear Christ’s command, “Lazarus, come forth.” And in Revelation 18:4 we read: “And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, My people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues.” Come out of the sleep of death! Elsewhere this call sounds like this: “Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet Him.”

Laodicea represents a church in which Jesus finds nothing good, yet this is the very church He has come to awaken. And He has come not merely to awaken her, but to endow her with imperishable riches. The sleep of death is not a very promising condition. While asleep, one can only see what is shown to him and cannot control what is happening around him. Therefore Christ has come to give that very oil for the lamp of the soul. Then this fire will warm me until I am hot.

What an astonishing time! A fullness of light, vast spiritual opportunities, and a great sorcerous deception under which everyone has fallen. How can one live amid all this and not die? I do not know, but the Lord has the answer. Most interestingly, He counsels me to awaken and fill my lamp with oil, which is His merchandise.

Gold tried in the fire, white raiment, and eyesalve—these are what will serve for my salvation in this difficult time.

God Himself desires to dwell in me in order to withstand every deception and the full force of sorcery. I cannot do this by myself. The supply of oil I possess is enough only to keep me out of debt, but I need true riches with which I can trim my lamp and pay for all the services of the world while upholding the hands of those who are very weary.

The world in which we are now all sleeping is very dangerous, but Jesus has come to awaken us—to awaken us before it becomes too late. The Lord desires to awaken us for battle. Satan’s fury knows no limit. To him, we are a thorn in the flesh that prevents him from carrying out his treacherous plans. And the presence of love among us makes all his efforts fruitless. Satan cannot defeat love, for it is a quality of God; but he does everything possible to cool this love and make it lukewarm by mixing the coldness of iniquity with burning truths. The enemy of souls is ready to support any good deed if it has carnal roots or proceeds from an unconverted heart. But when an action is founded upon love flowing from righteous motives, the enemy has no chance of victory. He pours out all his fury through those who are under his control.

A great controversy is underway, and it is drawing to a close. Without Christ it is impossible to gain the victory. Without His goods, I am doomed to a tragic defeat and an absolute loss in the final battle. There has never been a time like this in our history, yet we are living in it.

Our entire life and way of living are tied to money. We have become dependent upon having it. The wine of Babylon has created conditions that cause me to live within this system of values and spend all my best time earning the means for food and basic needs, so that I regard property and wealth as my achievement and my stronghold. But Jesus has come to pull me out of this mousetrap before I finally die in it.

How much effort and time must Jesus devote to saving even one deceived soul? My whole life. Yet He desires to save everyone. People are asleep and do not wish to awaken. But Jesus awakens me, knocking at the door of my heart, and His voice can be heard. If anyone hears this voice and opens the door, He will enter with His supper, and we will sit down and partake of the bread of life.

How fascinating it is to sit with Christ at the same table, look into His eyes, hear His voice, feel His love, and understand that in this relationship something very important and vital is taking place for me. My heart is being changed; my soul clings to Jesus. My spirit unites with the Spirit of my Savior, and together we walk upon the waters of the ocean of love, so that after traveling this path, the two of us may plunge into the deep waters of God’s grace and know from within that God is love.

As I abide in love, I dwell in the security whose name is God. His robe of righteousness, like the boundless waters of agape, covers me on every side, and every enticement of the soul is rejected with disgust. The rain of the Holy Spirit washes me from within, enabling me to recognize temptations and see the way of escape from them. God teaches me to help other friends who have fallen asleep, to awaken them, and to direct them to Jesus. Together with the Savior, we move toward the destination of our earthly journey called Eternity. It will soon begin everywhere for all good and righteous people. That time will come, but God’s plans include certain events that must still take place. His people must completely overcome sin. Only the love of Christ in me will give me wisdom and strength to emerge victorious. And to the overcomer will be given all the best that God can devise. We will possess it throughout Eternity. And the Lord Himself will be our God.

Then we ourselves will personally see with our own eyes what the words “God is Love” mean.

For now, however, we must gather strength and oil to prepare for the trials that are approaching. Jesus Himself is leading us into this battle so that we may gain the final victory and enter the feast, where He will shut the door behind Him.

1. What new things were revealed to you in this lesson?

2. Why is it so important to understand the condition I am in?

3. Are you interested in studying this subject?

4. Do you see a way of escape for yourself personally?

5. Are you afraid of the events ahead?

6. Why did Jesus decide to address Laodicea’s problem personally?

7. Please read Daniel 12:1–3; Revelation 16:13–16; and Revelation 13:14–15 in the light of our lesson.