I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan.
Consider this verse in contrast with, Revelation 3:17 (KJV)
Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:
On the one hand, we see a Church that appeared poor, but Jesus said is rich. On the other hand, we see a church that appeared to be rich, but Jesus said that it is “wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked.”
The one is a matter of fact. Jesus said that He knew the church in Smyrna to be poor and in tribulation. He said of them that the physical fact that it was poor did not outweigh the spiritual fact that it was rich.
The other was a matter of perception. Laodicea felt like it was rich and needed nothing. The church did not know it was spiritually impoverished.
What we appear to be and what we believe ourselves to be is not nearly as important and what Jesus says is the truth concerning us.
That truth can only be discovered in the Bible.
How desperately we must be Bible people.
To my readers:
Thank you! It is a great joy to me to know you read the thoughts and lessons God has given me in His word. I would love to hear from you. Please feel free to leave comments.
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