“Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me more than these?” John 21:15
In the book of the Revelation, in addressing the seven churches in Asia Minor, the Lord concludes his messages by speaking to the church at Laodicea. In His letter to this church He first reveals to her who He is, “…the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God.” (3:14) Why does He begin like this? If the spiritual need of the Laodicean church is to be met, there must be a renewed, clear vision of Who this Christ is who is addressing her. So, the Lord lifts her thoughts very high up, beyond the realms of earth and sky, to see and understand that HE alone is the final authority for all, the One who brings all things to their conclusion by His power and might. Not only this, but He is faithful in all that He is and declares, for He is the truth. There is in the word “witness,” two elements of His absolute commitment, not only to speak the truth, but to do so faithfully, there being no deviation, nor distortion of it. That which He declares to this church is what He, as the eternal God, knows the absolute truth to be.
The conclusion of this revelation of Christ at this point is the description, “…the Beginning of the creation of God.” The Laodicean church must understand and grasp that this letter written by the hand of John the Apostle, exiled on the isle of Patmos, is one that is from God, the One possessing all knowledge, power, authority, and dominion. He is the God of all creation, and the ending of it. This God, in His glory, and certainly because of His mercy, has chosen to “descend” to a small church in the town and region of Laodicea, there to reveal to them that He knows them perfectly, and in spite of all of their spiritual need, He loves them still. This we know by His concluding words: “As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore, be zealous and repent.” (3:19) So, what is the central thrust of His letter, and what does it have to do with the greatest commandment?
The believers at Laodicea, for one reason or another, had become lukewarm in their faith and devotion to Christ. They had drifted into a mindset where they equated the material blessings of life to true spiritual blessing, communion with Christ. They did not realize that they had become, “…wretched, miserable, blind, and naked, in the sight of God. His call to them was that they should come to Him, repent, trust Him for true riches, purity, and the capacity to truly see and discern that which was good and holy. His call was very simply, and most powerfully, the call to return to that which was foremost in God’s sight, communion with Christ. What is the most powerful, and greatest element of such fellowship? It is the love of God, a love to be received by the Spirit, and given in response to the ever-increasing revelation of the love of God.
To the church at Ephesus, which was doctrinally sound, and where their zeal was great, the Lord would write: “Nevertheless, I have this against you, that you have left your first LOVE.” (2:4) The Lord even equates this state of mind and heart to that of being “fallen.” His admonition was clear: “Remember therefore from where you have fallen, repent, and do the first works.” (v.5) This matter is so very important, that He adds: “…or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place.” (v.5)
After Peter’s betrayal, and upon meeting the Lord Jesus on the seashore with other disciples after the resurrection, the Lord did not upbraid, or criticize Peter for his betrayal. Instead, He put his finger on the greatest and most important matter, that of love for God. Three times he asks this question, “Do you love Me?” Why? Loving God is man’s highest, most holy calling.
Dear Father, Love through us today. In Jesus’ name, Amen.