A WORK OF LOVE. Few are able to take rebuke or chastening without a desire to retaliate. In this instance it originates from the ONE who is very LOVE personified. He is love in its fullest. Perfect absolute love. His reprimand and correction are just. The recipient is always deserving. This is an action taken for our own benefit and spiritual growth. Rev. 3:19
REPENT. Straight forward and to the point. An accomplishment that must be exercised. Rev. 3:19 To feel that there is no need for those in the church to repent is to employ a spirit of self-righteousness. Of the seven churches in the book of Revelation, six are urged to repent of suffer the consequences. The urgency for repentance is seen in the usage of the word, ZEALOUS, to do what must be done in a passionate manner. A response with much fervor. A confession of wrong doing and turning away from that which is inappropriate to Christian living.
HE STANDS AT THE DOOR. This message is not directed to the world but to the church and in particular to the members of the body of Christ. It is incongruent to visualize Him being left out of any heart and life that proclaims to belong to Him. Rev. 3:20 To stand at the door and be required to knock indicates that He is a visitor, while He should be an occupant. Hear His voice, it is the gentle voice of the chief shepherd. A voice of tender love and care. It is time to open the door widely and let Him enter in His fullness. He will sup, surely relates to the communion table. Lord haste the day when we reach full communication with you in your body and blood. 1 Cor. 11:24-25
A PROMISE GIVEN TO THE OVERCOMER. These are people who can be victorious, at least a percentage could heed the repentance call and act upon it. If they do, they are granted a place in the very center and throne of heaven, providing they repent and overcome. They would be in joint residency with the Son and the Father in His throne. Rev. 3:21
ONE-THIRD OF THE STARS CAST DOWN TO THE EARTH. The stars are representative of the saints. Consider Dan. 8:10 These are the thirty percenters who will be deceived by the antichrist in the end of the age. These have a reputation of being alive, might we say even evangelical but they are dead. They have a knowledge of the word but deny the working of the spirit. Rev. 3:1 The call of the Spirit of the Lord to them is to AWAKEN, to strengthen that which is about to die and perfect their works. They are urged to look back to their beginnings and take note of that which had been delivered to them. Follow the teachings that you have received. Be obedient to them. Turn in repentance to the Lord. Come alive. Be quickened. The Lord in His mercy grants seasons for repentance.