“And to the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write, ‘These things says the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God: ‘I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth. Because you say, “I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing” — and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked — I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see. As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent. Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me. To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne’” (Rev. 3:14-21).

This church received just condemnation for their apathy and poor judgment. The church at Laodicea was…

A Known Church:Jesus said to the Laodiceans, “I know your works…” (Rev. 3:15). This must have been a sobering thought. We don’t mind being known for those things that are right. However, they were engaged in wrong and the Lord knew. We are reminded of the words of Numbers 32:23: “…then take note, you have sinned against the LORD; and be sure your sin will find you out.” The Lord knows everything about this church. He knows the things we do that are right, and if there is wrong, He knows that too. The church at Laodicea was a church known by the Lord.

A Lukewarm Church:The Lord knew the church at Laodicea was “neither cold nor hot” (Rev. 3:15). The Lord’s wish was that they would have been found one way or the other. This idea of being neither cold nor hot is a testament to the apathy of the church at Laodicea. They had become indifferent in their service to the Lord. They may have been going through the motions, but they had no real zeal (cf. Rev. 3:19). As a result of their apathy the Lord states, “So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth” (Rev. 3:16). As the Lord looks at this church, does He see a group of people that are “on fire” for Him, or does He see apathy?

A Deceived Church:As the church at Laodicea looked at themselves they were caused to say, “I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing.” However, they were deceived for the Lord said they were actually “wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked” (Rev. 3:17). Many today are suffering from false delusions about their standing before God. To see how we really are, we must look into the mirror of God’s word and compare our reflection to the divine image (Cf. Jas. 1:22-25).

An Invited Church:Though the Lord was displeased with the behavior of the church at Laodicea, He still loved them. He stated, “As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent” (Rev. 3:19). It is in this love that He desired their zeal and repentance. Though they had cast Him out, He stood at the door of their heart and knocked, requesting entrance once again (Rev. 3:20-21). They were invited to fellowship once again upon their repentance.

“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches”

David Eldridge