The Book of Revelation has seven letters written to seven churches in Asia Minor. These seven churches represent the church throughout the church age until Jesus returns. This seventh church is the church of Laodicea.

1 – The city of Laodicea (vs. 14)

The city was prominent in the area:-

• The city was founded in the third century BC by Antiochus II and was named after his wife “Laodicea”.
• This city was known for producing a type of black wool cloth from the sheep they had and this put them in the clothing business. It also manufactured a type of ointment used for eye diseases.
• This city was known for its wealthy citizens. Bankers and all types of rich folks lived there. It was a banking centre.
• They had a prominent medical centre. They discovered and eye salve that was much sought off.
• This city was lacking terribly in an adequate water supply.
• The city was spiritually poor. They had an indifferent attitude that made Jesus sick.

2 – The identity of Christ (vs. 14)

When you look at a letter you look for a signature before you read. You throw junk mail in the bin. Jesus identifies Himself right away in three ways.

• The final one (vs. 14) – He is “the Amen”. It is translated “verily, verily” in the Bible. There is no other truth that needs to be added to Jesus Christ. He is the final authority. He is to be the final authority in your life.
• The faithful one (vs. 14) – The “faithful and true witness”. When Jesus speaks there are no unnecessary details. He tells the absolute truth. See 1 Corinthians 10:13-14 & 2 Thessalonians 3:3.
• The first one (vs. 14) – He is “the beginning in the creation of God”. Jesus is the origin of creation. He is the creator! Jesus had a beginning as a man but He has always existed as God the Son. See Colossians 1:15-18.

3 – The indictment of Christ (vs. 15-16)

Jesus has nothing good to say to this church. They were neither hot nor cold. We like cold water and hot water in our coffee or tea. We don’t like water which is lukewarm. It is not refreshing. Hierapolis, nearby was famous for its hot springs, and neighbouring Colossae had a cool clear stream of excellent drinking water, but Laodicea just had a tepid dirty flow from the aqueduct. It would make people sick to drink this water.

Jesus is made sick by lukewarm Christians. They were not hot or cold but lukewarm. If water is cold or hot it is refreshing. Jesus knows what to do with you if you are cold or hot. If you are lukewarm then it makes Jesus sick. Lukewarm Christians are:-

• Apathetic – They just don’t care! They are neither hot nor cold. What can you do with them? It is the “whatever” generation. It is the wrong attitude.
• They are uncommitted – They are not committed to anything. They might show up and then they may not.
• They are joyless – You can’t have the joy of the Lord if you are not committed to the Lord. They are not mad or glad. They don’t hurt you but they don’t help you.
• They are prayerless – If you pray then you will be on fire for God.
• They are loveless – It is not that they hate you. They just don’t love you. The attitude is one that doesn’t care.

4 – The interjection of Christ (vs. 17-19)

Jesus gives them some advice on how they can fix their problem.

• They thought they were rich but they were poor.
• They thought they were clothed in fine garments on the outside but they needed clothes of righteousness on the inside.
• They thought they could see but they were blind.

God chastens us because He loves us. We should chasten our children because we love them. You don’t let a child do anything because you love them. That is not love. They needed to repent! They needed some passion in their lives. They needed some excitement in their lives.

5 – The invitation of Christ (vs. 20-22)

The invitation has two parts to it.

• The appeal – “I…will sup with him”.”To “sup” is to dine with Him in spiritual communion and fellowship, which to the Oriental meant close confidence and affection. Jesus is knocking at the door but will He be invited in?
• The promise – Will I grant to sit with me in my throne” (See 2 Timothy 2:11-12; Revelation 22:5).

Categories: Revelation