The Light of the World - Revelation 3:20
Sharing one of my favourite artworks today along with some theological reflections.
Inspired by William Holman Hunt’s famous painting, The Light of the World.
Pulled out of its context, Revelation 3:20 can sound like Jesus is gently calling us to share a lovely meal together. We can easily overlook that this invitation comes directly after rebuke and serious warning to the church in Laodicea.
They were in deep spiritual danger. Their tepidness toward God made him want to spit them out. Their physical wealth and prosperity blinded them to their spiritual nakedness and poverty. So here Jesus was pounding on their door with urgency.
He had an unmatched invitation for them: gold refined by fire, white garments to cover their shame and nakedness, and salve to open their eyes. And because he loved his church, who was neither hot nor cold, he lovingly disciplined them with hard words and called them to earnestness and repentance.
Our being lukewarm toward God is one clear symptom of idolatry. It doesn’t often feel dangerous,. In fact, it more often feels comfortable and tolerable. But the danger of our physical comfort is that it can blind us to how poor, naked and blind we really are spiritually.
Yet because Jesus loves us, when we fall into this tolerable malaise, He comes knocking hard. And the pounding of His words can make us defensive and… uncomfortable.
Jesus is not condemning us. It is loving discipline for Him to warn us of our spiritual idolatry. He tells us that the cure is to “be zealous and repent” (Rev 3:19).
So let’s listen carefully and do away with our pride. A rebuke is painful, but humbly accepting his loving invitation to open the door to everlasting joy is the best decision we will ever make.
And here’s the beautiful promise: “To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I was victorious and sat down with my Father on his throne.” Rev 3:21.
