Following Christ, each of us learns to weigh and analyze all our actions and others' offers. We tend to be distracted by all kinds of things that fill the surrounding world, but often they so take possession of people that many make them the purpose and meaning of their life.
A person who believes in Christ differs from others in that he is not of this world, and it is precisely this image of His followers that is part of God's plans. But it happens that only a few become like this, whom even their fellow believers begin to consider strange or fanatical.
For the last time, the Lord has prepared a very interesting surprise for His people. He put the most valuable things that Heaven possesses into symbols and asks to buy this from Him, paying with the most precious thing that a Christian has. The cost of the goods is very high, and no discount is possible.
I look at the goods offered to me by the Faithful Witness from Rev. 3:18, and I understand that simply giving something and becoming an eternal owner of what is offered will not work. The Lord Himself set the price and will not lower it at all, regardless of my circumstances and requests.
It's interesting to note that in my ignorance, I often pretend that I can't afford such a deal, and that to enter into trade relations, one needs to be very gifted and educated. But the Lord says that it's important to have ears to hear what the Spirit is telling me.
I understand Christ's call and in my justification declare that I have nothing to pay with, and that I am not rich enough to buy things that I am advised to acquire. But in response, I hear a very clear statement that convicts not only me of ignorance, but also all other unreasonable listeners: "You have something to pay with!"
In His wisdom, the Lord has chosen the most precious thing that every follower of Christ possesses, and desires to exchange only this for the most precious thing that Heaven possesses.
Offering all of Himself in the form of symbols, Jesus expects all of me in payment. It's difficult for me to declare that I don't have myself, and I won't be able to pay for the purchase. I exist, and I myself am proof of this. The Lord will not agree to less. This is very similar to marital relations, where the husband wants to receive the whole bride in exchange for all of himself, and he is not going to share her even with the best friends. She either belongs entirely to him, and he to her, or no relationship at all. The price is high, but it's logical.
Christ also makes me understand that my sins are very desirable in the eyes of Heaven, and a high price has already been paid for them, but the deal cannot take place if I don't pay the full price, wanting to keep even a little sin for myself. I am given all of God's agape in exchange, to occupy all the space in my heart instead of all my sins. I'm afraid to say that I have nothing to pay with in this case, because I will immediately be declared a liar. Although I don't show Jesus the contents of my wallet, He knows perfectly well all my values and can list them, stating that I don't even know how much my wealth defiles me. I have nowhere to hide from shame. I lower my eyes, understanding that the Seller is right. In this case too, I have something to pay with.
And here in my justification, I decisively declare that I have no time for this trade, and I convince myself that this is quite a weighty argument to incline Jesus to be merciful to me and lower the sky-high price, considering my circumstances. The Lord sadly makes me understand that He knows perfectly well how much time I am given every morning, and what I spend it on. Here He respects my choice and simply shows me what He is busy with, and what all His time is spent on. I look with the eyes of faith and see a very strange picture. Jesus from morning to evening thinks about me, intercedes for me, plans my salvation, comes up with new trials for me, forgives me, takes care of me, carries me in His arms, watches over me and does everything to make me feel good and joyful with Him. I fall silent because I understand that this is how it is. But in exchange for all His time, all of mine is expected. And I have it too. I can pay with it.
I stand. I think. I can't find anything in my justification. I evaluate the goods. I understand the true significance of what is offered. But for some reason my soul doesn't lie to completely immerse myself in trade. I decide on a cunning move. I'll say that I need to think before giving an answer. But I understand that this will look like a refusal. No. I'd better ignore all of Jesus' advice. There's less demand from a deaf person. Fortunately, the Lord turned out to be quite delicate and didn't focus His attention on my reaction. And I made it clear to Him that now I know the address of the store, and I will definitely come there.
And now I will prepare for this deal and will diligently study the Bible, daily lessons, learn all the right answers to all difficult questions, start doing many good deeds that will simply amaze Heaven, and prove by deeds that I am worthy. Even better - I will open a missionary society and will act not only in my country, but will cover the whole world so that the Gospel is preached to all nations. Perhaps all this will be a worthy payment for Heavenly goods. Yes, that's what we'll do. Although Christ has His own price list, I will offer an equivalent alternative, which will probably surprise all of Heaven. I see how blessing accompanies me in everything. I'm just happy that I'm not like all lazy and wicked servants.
I look at Jesus, and for some reason He became sad, although He's smiling. I don't understand why He so desires a relationship with me when I have so many good deeds for Him. I read, pray, fast, plan to do good, wear His name. Is this not enough? Why expect from me what I don't want to give? Well, I'll come, pay with what He appointed, and then what? Everything will stop, and I will feel under a curse. Why did I even enter this store? I would have lived peacefully and wouldn't have known that something was being offered to me. And here I got into trouble, and now I can't refuse. Who would help me find a solution?
Oh, I see. I'm not the only one like this. It turns out that there are those who, like me, don't dare to make such a sacrifice. Together we'll be more cheerful. We can jointly engage in common work, share experiences, discuss what we've read, pray for each other. I see that there are many like me. Will the Lord really just take us and leave us like this? He didn't come to throw us around. We have faith, and probably love is also present. We are His people, and this is already a guarantee that everything is fine with us. We need to periodically look in the mirror of the law and immediately run to Jesus if we notice any dirt on our face.
Lord, why are you sad? Is our fruit from our labors not enough for you? Is this not enough to pay for Your goods? Do we have something to pay others with?
I look at those who constantly buy something. They seem kind of greedy. They put what they bought in their vessels and buy again. I'll note for myself that they have supplies. I think that in difficult times I can ask them to share oil for the lamp. They certainly won't refuse me. Moreover, I helped many of these buyers, and they owe me. So there's no need to worry.
Questions for reflection on this chapter
1. Please read: Eph. 5:15-18; Rev. 3:22; Prov. 13:7; 20:12; 23:23; Isa. 42:18-20; Hos. 12:8; Matt. 25:3-4,8-9; Ps. 50:21; Gen. 4:3-5; Jer. 29:11; Luke 12:16-21 in light of this chapter.
2. What did you understand from this chapter?
3. What other verses from the Bible came to your mind?
4. Who is this lesson written about?
5. How does the message to Laodicea look in light of the last time?
6. Do you believe that the message of the Faithful Witness from Rev. 3:14-22 will produce a sifting among God's people?
7. Are you not surprised that every believing person is able to pay for the Heavenly goods advised to Laodicea?
8. Who are the ignorant in light of this chapter? Do you know such people from life?
9. Do you believe that the message to Laodicea opens some mysterious door to a personal relationship with Jesus for me? John 17:3.
10. What do you think will happen to those who buy what the Faithful Witness offers?
11. Why should trade in Laodicea be constant and Eternal? Doesn't this doom me to eternal slavery?
12. Do you think it's important to correctly understand the issues we consider in our lessons?
13. Will knowing the right answers save me? How do they differ from a personal relationship with Jesus?
14. Do you have something to pay for the offered goods? Is the price too high?
15. What will happen to those who acquire the whole world but don't buy what is offered to Laodicea?