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I am amazed by the wealth of American citizens. We enjoy a terrific standard of living. Yeah, I know inflation is raging and the economy has entered a recession. Even though we may feel squeezed, the average American is wealthier than the vast majority of people in the world. We take for granted abundant electricity, food and water. We have appliances, cell phones and automobiles. We have access to doctors, dentists and pharmacies. I could go on, but won’t.
I wonder, does wealth make our faith in Jesus lukewarm? It did in the ancient city of Laodicea. The Christians there were wealthy for their day. Jesus also said they were lukewarm in their devotion to him. They were so lukewarm they made him sick. That’s essentially what it says in the book of Revelation. Jesus challenged them to repent. Revelation 3:21-22 contains his promise if they did. “To him who overcomes, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I overcame and sat down with my Father on his throne. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” (NIV)
Two things strike me in these verses. First, are the words “just as I overcame.” Jesus also overcame challenges. He faced the cross. The second item is the hope for the lukewarm. We can overcome tepid devotion to Jesus. When we do, he will give us the right to rule with him.
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Bumper music “Landing Place” performed by Mark July, used under license from Shutterstock.