Troops normally forms up in 3 parallel ranks *(parallel lines to the viewers from the frontal view; with each line behind the other, hence having one line of solders between the front and rear lines/ranks: that is the Centre Rank)* on a parade. In order to create enough space for a reviewing or inspecting dignitary to march/walk freely in front of each rank during inspection the squad or troops on parade are given a command to open ranks: the front and rear ranks takes a step or two forward and backwards respectively at the same time. The centre rank remains in situ/still/motionless. Hence the saying *''open ranks no concern centre rank'*; the command to open ranks does not apply to them. There is a popular terminology coined in my dialect (Ewe: spoken in Ghana, Togo and Benin in the West African sub-region) to describe this seemingly non-aligned as it were action by the Centre Rank: *"Ye le womi"* meaning he/she just adds up to make up the numbers and is a passive member.
Unfortunately in the things of the spirit one cannot be part of the Centre Rank as there is no Centre Rank in the realm of the Spirit. You are either with us or against us; period. Even amongst Christians you are either passionate about Kingdom Business or lukewarm. You are either active or passive. You cannot be playing it safe as it were. Jesus Christ when it came to inter-personal relationship was the *Lamb that was slain* but when it came to standing against those distorting scripture and preventing sinners from hearing the TRUTH He was *the Lion...* As a Christian you must be a lamb in your inter-personal relationship and a Lion when it comes to defending Kingdom Business.
In Revelation 3:15-16, we find some strong words from Jesus Christ to the church in Laodicea:
“‘I know your works: *you are neither cold nor hot.* Would that you were either cold or hot! So, *because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth.”*
Rev 15-16
The fact that this is a letter to the church in Laodicea suggests that this is for followers of Christ. But it seems that at some point they have lost the passion they once had for Christ and have become complacent and apathetic in their faith.
The other problem is that they apparently don’t even realize that there is anything wrong.
“For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing, not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked.” – Rev 17
This seems to be describing people who thought they were spiritual millionaires, but who were actually living in spiritual poverty. It is a warning or a wake-up call for people who didn’t even realize that they needed to be woken up. For whatever reason at some point their passion for Christ was gone and they had become lukewarm even though they thought they were doing just fine.
And then Christ gives them some counsel about what to do in verses 18-19:
“I counsel you to buy from me gold refined by fire, so that you may be rich, and white garments so that you may clothe yourself and the shame of your nakedness may not be seen, and salve to anoint your eyes, so that you may see. 19 Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline, so be zealous and repent.” – Rev 18
They need to recognize that Christ is everything for them. Only he can wash them clean and clothe them in righteousness. Only he can open their eyes that they can see. And what he gives, he gives for free. They don’t earn it, or deserve it. They need to remember the treasure that is Christ and how much they need him.
And then we arrive at a very well-known verse:
“Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.” – Rev. 20
This verse points out the relational aspect of Christianity. It speaks of fellowship with the Lord. He is not a travelling salesman who knocks on our door to sell us something and then goes on his way, but rather one who comes in and establishes residence with us. Christianity is a relationship with Christ.
This is a wonderful passage. But it should cause us to pause and consider ourselves. This is a wakeup call for the church in Laodicea. Let’s ask ourselves a few questions:
Is this a wakeup call for us?
If we were to get a letter written to us, from Christ, what might it say?
Do we find ourselves reflected in this rebuke?
Have we grown complacent in our relationship with Christ?
Are we lukewarm?
And if so, what are we going to do about it?
Move from your comfort zone if you are not a Christian and you also does not have any religion. You don't even believe in the existence of the devil. Not believing in the existence of the devil is asserting that God told a lie in the Bible.
Choose Christ Jesus today as you cannot be in the Centre Rank.
If you are born again you cannot be passive member of the Body of Christ. We are saved by Grace but we will giving crowns premised on our works.
