DAY 14

Laodicea – The Church That Was Lukewarm

‘To the angel of the church in Laodicea write: These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God’s creation. I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm – neither hot nor cold – I am about to spit you out of my mouth. You say, “I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.” But you do not realise that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so that you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so that you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so that you can see. Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent. Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me. To the one who is victorious [overcomes] I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I was victorious and sat down with my Father on his throne. Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit is saying to the churches.’ Revelation 3:14-22 (NIVUK)

Reflection

The tone of this final message to the church in Laodicea is very different to the one given to the church in Philadelphia. The gentle encouragement has gone and the call to radical change is evident. The greatest challenge for the church of Laodicea wasn’t persecution, it was indifference. It had become lukewarm; comfortable, wealthy, and self-sufficient. But Jesus saw the real condition; poor, blind, and naked. Jesus doesn’t reject them, but He rebukes them in love.

How would you describe your relationship with the Lord? Hot, cold, or lukewarm? Are there areas in your life where indifference to the ways of Jesus have crept in? As in the case of the Laodiceans, their comfort and wealth led them to become complacent and self-sufficient. Although money is a force for good, Jesus warns us that it has a power that can set itself up as a god: ‘No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.’ Matthew 6:24 (NIVUK)

Can you identify with the challenges of the Laodiceans? If so, just like them, we have an opportunity to ‘be earnest and repent’ (v.19). There’s healing and forgiveness on the other side of repentance. When we turn around, we will find Him waiting with open arms. His call is urgent and relational, ‘Here I am! I stand at the door and knock.’ (v.20). When we turn towards Jesus we receive the promise of intimacy with Him: ‘If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person and they with me.’ (v.19). This symbolises a desire for a deep and personal relationship with us.

Jesus loves us, and He hates seeing us walk in a way that is not going to bring us life in all its fullness. He also promises believers who overcome their spiritual apathy and remain faithful to Him, the reward of sharing in His throne and authority.

Devotional

by Chris Sharman

 

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