The Church at Laodicea
Revelation 3:14-22 (NIV) “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. 15 I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! 16 So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth. 17 You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. 18 I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see.
19 Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent. 20 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.
21 To the one who is victorious, 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. 22 Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’”
This letter, to the church at Laodicea, is filled with correction and coachable moments. He starts of by telling them that their church, their actions, make God want to throw up in his mouth. These are some pretty harsh and graphic words. God looks at them and instead of seeing something that makes him proud, he is sickened. Why? They are claiming to be rich, but they are not doing anything to help the Kingdom stay healthy and strong. Instead of being vibrant and strong, they are “pitiful, poor, blind, and naked.”
The root of their problem was their lack of passion for what is important to God. They had things they were passionate about - they were worried about being rich, having enough money, stability, and safety. They were not, however, moved by the knocking and the voice of God calling them to a place of relationship, of intimacy with Jesus.
Here’s the application form this church today: are you passionate; are you moved by the things that move God? Is your heart touched by the things that touch the heart of God? If you once were, but have become slack, it is time to fan the flame. It is time to pursue with passion the heart and purpose of God in your life.
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