Revelation For Today: What The Ultimate Book Of The Future Says Uddrag

Lukewarm Like Laodicea

By Michael Youssef, Ph.D.

Among the letters found in Revelation, we find a stinging letter to the church of Laodicea. This is a picture of your average, respected evangelical church today -- and Jesus rebukes them fiercely for being lukewarm.

Jesus says to the Laodicean church, “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 realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked” (Revelation 3:16-17).

Jesus’ message is the same for us. Many of us are neither on fire for Christ nor deadly cold like the church of Sardis. Beware of being lukewarm like Laodicea, who had become self-sufficient and distracted by worldly things. Have you become self-sufficient in your faith? Has the distraction of temporal riches left you spiritually bankrupt? Come to Christ and buy from Him what you truly need.

And lest we despair, Jesus reminds us that He is love: “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” (Revelation 3:19-20).

What an invitation! Will you accept?

Prayer: Jesus, Your mercy and grace are astounding. You alone are righteous; in You alone will I place my trust. Forgive me for being lukewarm and help me to grasp the depth of Your love for me. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“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” (Revelation 3:21).