Day 7: The Church in Laodicea

Laodicea was a prominent city, known for its great wealth. This was the Boca Raton, Coral Gables, Bel-Air, Beverly Hills of Asia Minor. They had a lot of money! They actually rebuilt the entire city after an earthquake without accepting any funding. They were so rich, they had enough money for two cities, just in case one got destroyed. That’s crazy! But Jesus says that He knows their deeds, and it’s not good news.

GET RIGHT: Lukewarm

What does it mean to be lukewarm? It means the church was neither hot nor cold. They weren’t hot because they were not completely surrendered to Christ and His will for their lives. They weren’t cold because they did not completely reject Christ either. Jesus actually used this illustration of lukewarm because the people would have known exactly what He meant. Laodicea got its water supply from an aqueduct that connected to a hot spring. So by the time the water got to the city, it was a gross, lukewarm temperature. Jesus says He wanted to spit them out of His mouth just like the water that they hated drinking. Their wealth had blinded them to the fact that they were wretched, pitiful, poor, and blind. 

Question for Reflection:  Why is it important for us as Christians to recognize our complete lostness apart from Christ?

GET READY: Knock
Jesus says that He stands at the door and knocks. He was inviting these lukewarm Christains back into a true relationship with Him! But here’s the thing about Jesus: He will never force His way in. He stands at the door and knocks. We have to 1) hear His voice and 2) let Him in. But here’s the thing: If you think you have everything you need in your house, you won’t let Him in. Maybe you’re too busy doing chores and cleaning up that you don’t have time to stop and let Him in. Maybe your life is too loud, and you don’t even hear Him knocking. Maybe you think that if you open the door, He’s going to be there to condemn you and criticize you. But Jesus says all He wants to do is eat with you! He wants a relationship with you! He wants to rule and reign with you one day! Jesus wants your heart! Will you let Him in?