The Unexpected King

“The Lord said to Moses: Go, get down, for your people which you brought out of Egypt have corrupted themselves… they have made a molten calf and worshiped it… and Moses saw the calf, and the dancing, and that the people were naked…” (Exodus 32).

In less than 40 days, the people said: “As for this Moses who brought us up out of Egypt, we don’t know what has become of him.”  In such a short time they had forgotten Moses and the victories of the Lord.

Jesus said the last Church Age of our time (Laodicea) would do the same. They would worship financial success more than eternal salvation… “You do not know that you are wretched (dying), miserable (hopeless), poor (without spiritual riches), blind (to their true condition), and naked (needing to be clothed in righteousness) … as many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent” (Revelation 3:17-19).

Ancient Laodicea was known for two things, their wealth and their idolatry. It was an official banking city for the Romans, bringing in such wealth they minted their own coins which said, “We Did It Ourselves.” It was also an official religious city where temples to all the Roman gods could be found.  The city employed people to be “Doorkeepers” who were paid to watch for the arrival of Caesar, or any of the gods, at any time. They even built massive doorways into the city to emphasize the great “welcome” they would receive.  Jesus used this fact against them… “Behold, I stand at the door and knock” was a stinging rebuke.  They were utterly unprepared to greet the King of all kings.

It’s our duty to remind the world that very soon “This Jesus” they have forgotten is returning.  May He find us excitedly watching, rejoicing in the riches of His love, clothed in His righteousness, and prioritizing His business over all lesser things. “Blessed are those servants, whom the Lord when He comes, shall find watching.”

(Devotional by Lisa Cataford)