Remember the Main Thing

To understand what "the main thing" is, about which we are calling to remember, it is necessary first to identify it from the general mass, compare it with other important things, and follow what this "main thing" calls for. Let's not invent something new, but take the ready-made God's message that we have been studying for so long, and make it conditionally "the main thing".

The message to Laodicea is proclaimed by Jesus Himself, who introduces Himself in it as "the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God" (Revelation 3:14). This message is of a reproachful nature, exposing my spiritual ignorance and carelessness, but at the same time provides a way out through the goods Jesus offers. The Lord calls the person who accepts this message and follows it a victor and gives him a seat next to Himself on His throne.

This message reads very easily. A quick reading took me 35 seconds, but if done calmly and thoughtfully, it will take a couple of minutes. However, reading does not reveal the meaning of what is read at first glance, so many are satisfied with having familiarized themselves with the message and seek other activities. How long does the phrase "Will you marry me?" sound? 3 seconds. But how much meaning and perspective does it contain? Infinitely much.

Showing a way out, the Lord advises me to buy gold, white clothing, and eye salve from Him. What does this mean? The love of God the Father, the grace and righteousness of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit. Essentially, in the symbols of these goods, I am offered entry into close communion with the Deity, as a result of which He prepares me for final victory by His rules.

In verse 18, the Lord offers His heart and relationships with Him, which He then recommends maintaining and developing. To understand how important the message to Laodicea is, it is necessary to delve into every word of this message and see its spiritual connection with our time. Simple understanding of the message is not enough. It is necessary, having realized everything, to follow what is written. In this message, God gives all of Himself, understanding that nothing else will help to exit the lukewarm state. Everything else simply pales in comparison to what the Faithful Witness advises buying from Him.

Why, if this message is so important that those who accept it are promised a place on Jesus' throne, do few study it, and no one speaks about it as they should? Why is it so neglected, and why are people who try to carry this message unpopular or nonexistent? Is this how one treats the main thing?

Let's consider other concepts of "the main thing". Many will say that the main thing is to believe in Jesus and keep His commandments. Yes, this is indeed main, and it is present in the message to Laodicea, but alongside other necessary goods. Moreover, the Lord offers to buy gold refined by fire, which symbolizes faith and love. By this, Jesus indicates that keeping the commandment of love for one another in the right spirit and power is a mandatory consequence of the transaction being made.

Someone decided that the main thing is to accept the message of righteousness by faith, because without this, a person risks losing Heaven. In the message to Laodicea, this message is in its place and sounds like "buy white clothing".

Let's decide that the main thing is to know and observe all doctrines and laws. They are also part of the Faithful Witness's message, for love is the fulfillment of the law (Romans 13:10).

And someone will decide that the main thing is accepting the health reform, as it is the right hand of the three angels' message. And this truth is also contained in the message to Laodicea. For He who gave the world His commandments also gave health laws. And He does not plan to leave those who decide to enter into Eternal trading relationships with Him in ignorance about this.

All that you say here is empty! The main thing is deeds! Deeds must be performed, friends, not discussed! Prove your faith by your deeds, and this will be the most important of the important. But the Faithful Witness says: "I know your deeds; you are neither cold nor hot; oh, if you were cold or hot!" (Revelation 3:15). So what deed can I surprise and please Jesus?

The main thing is to form a character worthy of Heaven. This is exactly what Jesus advises to buy from Him under the symbol of eye salve.

A very interesting picture emerges. All my great and main things are already within the message to Laodicea. And whatever I decide to especially mark as the most important, it is already included in the message, unless it is a product of my sin-sick mind.

God made the message to Laodicea comprehensive and universal. It includes the perfect fullness of everything.

But then an informed person comes on the scene and firmly declares that the main thing is accepting the three angels' message, and rejecting even one of these three messages is fraught with receiving the mark of the beast. I agree. So it will be.

But let's look at who will carry these messages, especially the third message? Will God entrust His message to those who have neglected Him, ignoring the message to Laodicea? Will the Lord endow with His Spirit those who had no interest in God's counsel or did nothing to exit the lukewarm state? I recall some people who actively worked in spreading materials with the Three Angels' Message but had a rather fanatical spirit and considered themselves right and faithful. I could never understand how such people plan to enter Eternity, having so much spiritual pride and vanity? But in the light of Laodicea, all these questions found answers.

The third angel's message will be proclaimed by victors, and they will do it very quickly and effectively, using the simplest means and having the most correct spirit.

God has made everything in His Word perfect, timely, and open to those who wish to know, accept, and live according to the received light. Passing by a clear Divine counsel and making something else main is an attempt to achieve salvation by one's own deeds. But since God's counsel implies freedom of choice with all its inherent privileges and limitations, few rush to listen.

I do not know when the door of grace will close. And if I manage to die before that time, my rejection or acceptance of the message to Laodicea will not play a key role in my justification if I was faithful in other matters. But when this mysterious door begins to close, and I hear the "midnight cry" about the Bridegroom's approach, then the presence of oil in my vessel will play the main role. Will I have time to buy it before the store closes? Will it be enough for me to endure the time of trouble? Will I not find myself naked at the final weighing? Will Jesus still want to sell me something?

It is better to understand now what is main and follow this course than to later find oneself among the foolish virgins who seemed so wise during preparation.

Entering into trade with Jesus, I can have various types of service alongside these relationships and not abandon them. But if I make service the main thing, ignoring the main thing, I risk losing everything. And I so want to be a victor, for it is written: "He who overcomes shall inherit all things, and I will be his God and he shall be My son" (Revelation 21:7).

Reflection Questions for this Chapter

1. Please read Proverbs 4:7; Hebrews 8:1-2; Revelation 3:14-22; Ephesians 5:14-18; Matthew 22:2-14; 25:1-13; Jeremiah 7:25-27; Hosea 4:6-8 in light of this chapter.

2. What did you understand from this chapter?

3. What other Bible verses came to your mind?

4. Was the message to Laodicea clear to you when you first read it?

5. How can you determine that the message to Laodicea is the most important message?

6. Is it bad that the narrative from Revelation 3:14-22 is not understood at first reading?

7. Is it worth accepting the importance of this message by faith and beginning to study it independently? Or is it better to wait for someone who has already studied it and will come to me personally to explain?

8. Do you know that we have been studying the message to Laodicea in our School for more than two years and have already discovered much for ourselves?

9. Will the Lord reveal the true meaning and depth of His message to those who will try to delve into it and understand its essence?

10. Why did the Lord place His most important message so modestly and inconspicuously, and even clothe it in symbols?

11. Are you pleased that we constantly return to this message and find new revelations in it?

12. Will this message be relevant if the church does not pay it due attention?

13. Do you understand what is being offered to us in the Faithful Witness's counsel?

14. What will happen to those who never follow the Faithful Witness's counsel?

15. What do you think, will Jesus fulfill His warning in the lives of those who remain lukewarm?