Revelation 3:19 (NKJV)
As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent.
Bible Commentary
Revelation 3:19 is a Bible verse from the famous Book of Revelation, where Jesus Christ addresses “the lukewarm church”. The letter to the church of the Laodiceans (lukewarm church), is full of fascinating and chilling words from the Morning Star, Jesus Christ.
This is the church to which He said, “I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. 16 So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth.” (Revelation 3:15-16)
What a chilling statement! It makes us want to quickly evaluate our own relationship with Christ, to determine the condition of our heart. Am I hot or cold…or lukewarm?
The most important thing to discover, however, is not making sure you have the “right” answer to that question, but the truthful answer. Here is why. Even if we are cold or lukewarm, Jesus gives us hope in Revelation 3:19, when He says,
“As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent.”
An Important Opportunity
It may be in the nick of time, but we have a crucial opportunity here. We can perceive Christ as a loving but firm Father Who loves us and repent, as He said. Or, we can turn away in unbelief and/or disregard for His sovereignty.
Hopefully, we believe in His love for us and we accept His discipline. This is important, because many reject God when they experience trials in their lives. When He “rebukes” us, it can be painful.
“Rebuke” in the Greek means: to admonish, convict, convince, tell a fault, reprove.
None of us like to get in trouble, to be told what we’re doing is wrong, but that’s what it takes sometimes for us to “get it.” As a parent, I can remember sometimes the only thing that would get through the stubbornness or rebellion in our young children was a good old-fashioned spanking.
The jolt of the physical pain cut right through to their pride and humbled them. The rebellion would be stifled and the respect would return. Our children were safe in the boundaries of this order. If disobedience and disrespect ruled in our household, there would have been no order and no boundaries of safety.
That’s what God must do with us, too. We are safe in the boundaries of respect and obedience to Him. This is what He commanded because He loves us.
When we try to usurp God’s authority and take matters into our own hands, we run into trouble—as individuals and as nations. With God in control, we are safe.
Unlocking the Truth – Be Zealous and Repent
Now, once we accept the truth of His discipline, Jesus tells us in Revelation 3:19 that we must be zealous and repent.
Zealous in the Greek means: to earnestly desire; heat; ardor. Ardor is defined as: emotional warmth, passion, intense heat.
Jesus Christ wants us to stand for Him, to be on fire for Him, to be passionately in love with Him the way He is with us, His bride. If we truly desire to please Him, we will repent of whatever He convicts us of.
“Repent” in the Greek means: to think differently, or reconsider. When we reconsider (repent), we become One with Him. We’re on the same side. We get to choose our team. We either choose Him to be our God and come under His authority, or we rebel and choose a different god and oppose Him.
Under God’s authority, we are safe. Under any other authority, we stand in rebellion out from under the safety of His wings. Under His authority and righteous reign, we rule with Him.
2 Timothy 2:12
“If we endure, We shall also reign with Him. If we deny Him, He also will deny us.”
Revelation 20:6
“Blessed and holy is he who has part in the first resurrection. Over such the second death has no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with Him a thousand years.”
If we choose to live with Christ, to endure with Christ, then we shall also reign with Him as priests of God and of Christ. What amazing rewards are promised to those who are faithful! The rebuke and discipline is so worth the reward of being with Christ forever.
Study the Bible verse of Revelation 3:19. Be zealous and repent.
