Scriptures: Revelation 3:14-22
Key Insights
The character of the city of Laodicea.
The name Laodicea means “rule or justice of the people.”
Laodicea was an important, wealthy city, with a significant Jewish population. It was also a noted commercial centre, and some of its goods were exported all over the world. One of its problems was a poor water supply that made Laodicea vulnerable to attack through siege.
Jesus describes Himself to the church at Laodicea – Revelation 3:14
These things says the Amen – (2 Corinthians 1:20) the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God.
What Jesus knows about the church of Laodicea – v. 15-16
You are neither cold nor hot: you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot – a picture of indifference, compromise, uselessness.
I will vomit you out of My mouth: How are churches in the mouth of Jesus? They are in His mouth because they spread His Word. They are in His mouth because He prays for them constantly. In this regard, it is a terrible thing to be expelled from the mouth of Jesus!
What Jesus has against the church of Laodicea – v. 17
You say, “I am rich and have become wealthy, and have need of nothing.” The church at Laodicea lacked a sense of spiritual poverty. They were the opposite of blessed are the poor in spirit Jesus spoke of in Matthew 5:3.
Take note of the contrasts:
- The contrast between what they think they are and what they really are.
- The contrast between what they see and what Jesus sees.
- The contrast between the wealth and affluence of their city and their own spiritual bankruptcy.
What Jesus wants the church of Laodicea to do – v. 18
I counsel you to buy from Me…: The change in the Laodiceans had to begin with understanding their spiritual poverty.
Behold, I stand at the door and knock:.. Sadly, Jesus stood on the outside, knocking to get in. Laodicea was “the Church of the Excluded Jesus.”
He knocks – the knocking comes in many forms – judgments, mercies etc
I will come into him: to dine with him – reference to a specific meal known as the deipnon – the main meal of the day, which was a leisurely affair, Jesus wants us in a deep relationship with Him.
If anyone: Jesus gave the call to individuals, not to the church.
A promise of reward.
- To him who overcomes, I will grant to sit with Me on My throne: Those who overcome the battle against indifference, compromise, and self-reliance enjoy a place with the enthroned Jesus
A general exhortation to all who will hear.
“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” – May God deliver us from the self-reliant, compromising lukewarmness that marked the church of the Laodiceans!
Questions for Reflection
- Have you let Jesus in to allow Him to dine with you?
- Does the way you see yourself align with the way Jesus sees you?
Prayer
- Repentance for any lukewarmness in any area of our spiritual walk.
- Grace to attend to Kingdom matters with the zeal they deserve, knowing that this is about the Father’s business.
