Revelation 3:14-21 - Laodicea

This is perhaps the most famous of the seven letters, and verse 20 the most famous verse. Verse 20 is often used in an evangelistic context, but we should remember that this letter is addressed to a church.

Laodicea was the richest of the cities, well established in banking, medicine and textiles. The one weakness was the lack of a good water supply. The city had a colony of about 7 000 Jews who had been given the right to practise their own religion.  Colossians 4:16 makes mention of a letter Paul sent to them, though this is now lost. Sadly the church was clearly in severe decline.

The attributes of Christ are His faithfulness, the fact that He is a true witness, and that He is ruler over God's creation, In a rich and prosperous society these things are often forgotten. Think of our own culture. Our whole ethos is now totally neglectful of the fact that Christ is Lord and that He is the truth,

The church was neither hot nor cold. This could be a reference to water, which if cold can refresh, if hot it can heal. The church was neither. Tje church thought they were rich, probably implies they were proud of their material wealth and so-called wisdom. Yet their true condition was quite the opposite. Spiritually they were naked and blind. 

Jesus commands them to get true wealth the true wisdom and healing. Again, this should put us on our guard against health and wealth preaching. Jesus does heal and does look after us, but our spiritual health is important above all. 

Jesus said all this to them because He loved them. He rebukes those whom He loves. We are so averse to criticising anyone or anything, but God does rebuke in order to lead us to true life. 

Jesus speaks to the world , and if anyone listens to Him then He will come and dwell with them. The greatest prize is to have Christ dwelling with us. 

Although this church received the severest rebuke, and no praise at all, it receives the greatest promise. To those who overcome He gives the right to sit on His throne with Him. All of us need to repent and believe.
Merry Christmas!