The Laodicean Trap

In the Book of Revelation, we are shown a picture of the final events of our world. Chapter 18 tells us that a great judgment will be executed over sin and those who produce it. In the history of Earth, there has never been a time when a certain group of people could have influence over the entire earth and impose their standards on the whole world, increasing their treasures at the expense of other countries and allowing anyone who wants to become rich. This deceptive influence is called Babylon.

In light of this chapter and our studied topic, I would like to draw attention to the verse from Revelation 18:23: "And the light of a lamp shall not shine in you anymore, and the voice of bridegroom and bride shall not be heard in you anymore. For your merchants were the great men of the earth, and by your sorcery all the nations were deceived." Do you see the familiar words we mentioned earlier? Let's recall the parable of the ten virgins. We encounter many symbols from that narrative here as well.

The word "sorcery" in the original sounds like "φαρμακείᾳ". I think there is no need to even know Greek because this word is very easily read in Russian and translates as witchcraft, magic, deception.

The word pharmacology is familiar to us as the science of medicinal substances. And in the light of the Bible, it deceives all people living in the world. Pharmacology implies influencing the human mind through medication and chemical means. We also read, "...for all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication" (Revelation 18:2 and 14:8).

We live in an age of great deceptions. The enemy of the soul has built an entire industry of entertainment and temptations, and through these means of mass hypnosis, he spreads his influence. And none of us has escaped this deception. Christ calls such a state "and they all fell asleep", yet there is a good verse that sounds like "but I am coming to wake him up". We declare that "if he has fallen asleep, he will recover", but Jesus says, "he has died". Then we hear Christ's command: "Lazarus, come out!", and in Revelation 18:4 we read: "And I heard another voice from heaven saying, 'Come out of her, my people, lest you share in her sins, and lest you receive of her plagues.'" Come out of the mortal sleep! In another place, this call sounds like: "Behold, the bridegroom is coming!"

Laodicea represents a church in which Jesus finds nothing good, but it is precisely this church that He has come to awaken. And not just awaken, but to endow it with imperishable wealth. Mortal sleep is not a very promising state. In sleep, you can only see what is shown to you, and it is impossible to control the situation around you. Therefore, Christ has come to give that very oil for the lamp of the soul. Then this fire will warm me to a hot state.

What an amazing time! The fullness of light, broad spiritual possibilities, and great magical deception that has caught everyone. How to live with this so as not to die? I do not know, but the Lord has an answer. The most interesting thing is that He advises me to wake up and fill my lamp with oil, which is His product.

Gold refined by fire, white clothing, and eye salve are what will serve my salvation in this difficult time.

God Himself desires to abide in me to resist all deceptions and the fullness of magic. I cannot do this myself. The supply of oil I have is only capable of keeping me from debt, but I require true wealth with which I can repair my lamp and pay for all the world's services, supporting those who are very tired.

The world in which we are now collectively 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 rage knows no bounds. We are a "bone in his throat" that prevents him from implementing his insidious plans. And the presence of love between us makes all his efforts futile. Satan cannot defeat love, for it is God's quality, but he does everything to cool this love, to make it lukewarm, allowing a mixture of the cold of lawlessness and hot truths. The enemy of the soul is ready to support any good deed if it contains carnal roots or originates from an unregenerate heart. But when an action is based on love arising from righteous motives, then the enemy has no chance of victory. He pours out all his fury through those who are under his power.

A great battle is ongoing. And it is approaching its conclusion. Without Christ, it is impossible to win. Without His goods, I am doomed to a tragic defeat and absolute loss in the final battle. Such a time has never existed in our history, but we are living in it.

Our entire life and way of living are tied to money. We have become dependent on its presence. And the wine of Babylon has created such conditions that I live in this value system and spend all my best time earning means for sustenance and life support, so that I consider property and wealth as my achievement and my fortress. But Jesus has come to pull me out of this mousetrap before I completely die in it.

How much effort and time must be devoted to Jesus to save even one deceived soul? My entire life. And He desires to save everyone. People are sleeping and do not want to wake up. And Jesus is waking me, knocking on the door of my heart, and His voice is heard. And if anyone hears this voice and opens, He will enter with His supper, and we will sit and partake of the bread of life.

How interesting it is to sit with Christ at the same table, look into His eyes, listen to His voice, feel His love, and understand that something very important and vital is happening in these relationships. I am changing in heart, my soul cleaves to Jesus. My spirit merges with the Spirit of my Savior, and we go with Him together over the waters of the ocean of love, so that, having passed this path, we can together immerse ourselves in the deep waters of God's grace and know from within that God is love.

Abiding in love, I am in safety that has a name – God. His robe of righteousness, like infinite waters of agape, covers me from all sides, and any temptation for the soul is rejected with disgust. The rain of the Holy Spirit washes me from within, making me capable of recognizing temptations and seeing a way out of them. God teaches me to help other sleeping friends, to wake them, directing them to Jesus. Together with the Savior, we move toward the goal of our earthly journey called Eternity. It will soon come universally for all good and righteous people. This time will come, but in God's plans, there are some events that must still occur. His people must completely overcome sin. And only Christ's love in me will give wisdom and strength to emerge victorious. And to the overcomer will be granted everything best that God can imagine. And we will possess this throughout Eternity. And the Lord Himself will be our God.

And we will already personally, with our own eyes, see what it means: "God is Love".

But for now, we must gather strength and oil to prepare for the trials that are approaching. And Jesus Himself leads us to this battle, to win the final victory and enter the feast where He will shut the door behind Him.

Reflection Questions for this Chapter

1. What new was revealed to you in this chapter?

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

3. Are you interested in studying this topic?

4. Do you see a way out for yourself personally?

5. Do you have fear about the upcoming events?

6. Why did Jesus personally decide to solve the problem of Laodicea?

7. Please read Daniel 12:1-3; Revelation 16:13-16; Revelation 13:14-15 in light of this chapter.