“I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich” (Rev. 3:18 NKJ).
Laodicea was an unusually privileged town. The tax base was so strong and dependable there that the Roman emperor had exempted the city from a decree he had issued halting the flow of gold from Asia Minor to Jerusalem to support the Jewish temple.
Naturally the Laodiceans felt privileged to be the only town the Roman government allowed to send gold out of the country. As a result of their privileged status, the townspeople of Laodicea smugly acted superior to the citizens of other towns. They began to say, “Look at us. We are wealthy. We are rich. We really do not need anything from anyone.”
This superiority complex also affected the 7,500 Jewish people who lived in Laodicea. It is bad enough for a town to feel itself superior to others, but when the church begins to reflect the thinking of the town, then the Lord steps in and gives His evaluation of the situation.
In scripture, gold has been likened to wisdom. Some scholars believe it signifies purity and righteousness. Some writers equate pure gold with pure motives.
Since Nebuchadnezzar’s image had a head of gold, some feel that gold is likened in the Bible to an intelligence that demonstrates godly leadership. Some feel that gold is kingly. In the words gold, silver, and precious jewels some see the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost.
Gold tried by fire is God’s antidote for spiritual poverty. It is an antidote which we can all obtain!
Excerpt permission granted by Harrison House Publishers
Dick Mills was ordained at The International Church of the Foursquare Gospel in 1949. He and his wife Betty traveled as evangelists all over the United States, Canada, Mexico, Latin America, Europe, and Australia. Dick and Betty are now home in heaven.
In 1966 Dick and Betty became a part of the then-emerging Charismatic Renewal. Passing through all denominational barriers, Dick has had the opportunity to speak in thousands of churches of varied backgrounds all over the world.
He ministered within several Christian organizations, including the Full Gospel Business Men, Women's Aglow, Inter-church Renewal Catholic Pentecostals, mainline Charismatic groups, CBN and TBN television networks, and many other independent Christian TV stations.
Dick appeared on numerous radio talk shows, written several magazine articles, and spoke at many Bible conferences and universities. He served as an adjunct professor at six Schools of the Bible and Seminaries.
In addition, Dick authored and co-authored several books and tapes. Dick's ministry was characterized by the unique gifts God has blessed him with. His services informed, enlightened, and motivated people to a higher level of commitment to God.