Revelation 3:14 - 22

May 7, 2020

 

Today is Thursday. Some areas of the state are now “yellow” and progressing toward opening. While this is a move in the positive direction, it’s not much different than what is happening now. The church of Laodicea was one that did not have Jesus, and never knew. How? I’m so glad you asked!!!

 

7.            Laodicea [3:14 – 22]

• Overview: known for its water system (pipes inserted into stone), water was from the hot springs in Hierapolis six miles away.
• REVELATION: “These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God’s creation.” [Revelation 2:14 NIV]
• Strength: NONE!
• Weaknesses: deeds are not hot or cold, rich in your own thought but really wrenched, pitiful, poor, blind, and naked.
• Reality: (no threat necessary) “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.” [Revelation 3:20 NIV]
• Remedy: find wealth in Jesus, accept rebuke and discipline, be earnest, repent.
• Promise: the right to sit on the throne with Jesus!

 

From an external point of view, what is there NOT to like about this church? It’s rich, prosperous, and cultivated favor from its culture. While all the external evaluations say this church is blessed, the judgment of the “faithful and true witness” said this church was repugnant in the sight of God. Jesus said their state was so disgusting that He was about to vomit them out of His mouth. “So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth.” [Revelation 3:16 NIV]

 

There are two words in verse 16 that do not appear anywhere else in the New Testament. “Lukewarm” meaning not hot and not cold. In a sense, these people are neutral in their belief and practice. It is the image of people who are painfully on the fence. It is the image of a dead fish floating on the stream. Almost like they knew but were unwilling to fully love Jesus and those Jesus loves. The word translated “spit” means to vomit or reject with extreme disgust.

 

Never underestimate a person (or church’s) ability to be delusional. The inability to examine and accurately understand one’s strengths and weakness is a danger greater than persecution, temptation, or fighting. “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.” [Revelation 3:17 NIV]

 

Jesus offers them a choice. It’s a sad choice. “Listen! I am standing and knocking at your door. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in and we will eat together.” [Revelation 3:20 CEV] Jesus was OUTSIDE the church, and they did not realize it. They were blinded by their wealth, prosperity, peace, and favor from its culture. This verse is often quoted as in evangelism, but in reality it was written to the church. In every sense of the word, this was a fake church. Self-deceiving and deceiving those so desperate for life, light, and healing in Jesus. Once again, please notice, it’s a peaceful church without problems.

 

It is suggest this is the state of the church in modern times. Primarily the church is self-focused, indulgent, enjoying prosperity, buying into “liberal” theology [no supernatural element in the Bible, no personal relationship with God] and the rise of evolution (infecting theology and practice).

The fine print: Optimistically looking forward, the isolation will slowly be relaxed and we will be able to meet as a congregation, hopefully soon. If you are reading this and are in need of a church family, please join us at Faith Alliance Church of Fuoss Mills. (Just search "Fuoss Mills" and you will find us.)