“I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, 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.”
Christ’s words to the Church in Laodicea speak directly to our cultural moment. We live in one of the wealthiest, busiest places in the entire world. It is often our self-sufficiency and security, not suffering or poverty, that prevents us from fully experiencing God’s blessings.
It’s easy to see ourselves in this church. Laodicea as a city was known for its self-sufficiency, productivity and wealth. Citizens of Laodicea had everything they needed – everything except for a source of water. Christ uses this paradox, something all people in Laodicea would understand, to illustrate their faith.
Because it had no source of water, Laodicea built two large aqueduct systems to move hot water and cold water into the city. These aqueducts connected to two other cities, both of which were ten miles away. By the time the hot and cold water reached Laodicea, both were lukewarm. Laodicea was known for its horrible water quality. Christ tells them that their faith had become the same way – lukewarm and detestable.
Christ’s desire for His Church is that we are full of passion. We are intended to model, in word and in deed, His passion for a lost world to be reached by the Gospel, exemplified in His sacrifice on the cross. Like the Church in Laodicea, He extends an invitation to us to turn away from a lukewarm life and begin walking with Him on a daily basis.
In verses 19-20 He says, “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.”
Listen to Sunday’s sermon HERE.