Thursday, February 23, 2023

Laodicea: The Lukewarm Church

15 “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 [k]cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth. 17 Because you say, ‘I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing’—and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked— 18 I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see. 19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten.[l] Therefore be [m]zealous and repent. 20 Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me. 21 To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne. 22 “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” ’ ”

Revelation 3: 15-22

Laodicea was the ancient capital of Phrygia. It was a prosperous industrial and commercial center. It gained wealth through trade and banking. It was also known for its medical school and costly fabrics.

One scholar said, “Jesus’ letter to the church of Laodicea wastes no time denouncing the congregation for its lukewarm faith, threatening to ‘spit’ the congregation out of His mouth.” Christ scolds this church for allowing its economic prosperity to cause it spiritual bankruptcy and reveals that, despite its economic wealth, only He can provide spiritual wealth.”

God reminds the Laodicean church that those he loves, he rebukes or reprimands. He called on the church to repent. We know that through repentance, there is hope. In the letter’s conclusion, we are reminded that he stands at the door knocking. “If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me. To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.”

Question: Is there anything causing you spiritual bankruptcy? When it comes to your walk, can you be described as half-way in? God knows!

PRAYER: Thank you for reminding me through the letter to Laodicea that you rebuke those you love. Thank you for reminding me that through repentance there is hope. Open my ears so that I hear your voice. Help me to be an overcomer. In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen