The Church in Laodicea

This is the 7th Church in the Book of Revelation.
The Church in Laodicea must be feeling embarrassed.
This is because it is the only church without a commendation.

There are 4 things that this church is famous for:
1. It was famous for its banking and commercial centre.
And Jesus counseled the people of Laodicea not to depend on themselves but look to Jesus.
"Buy from me gold refined in the fire..."

2. It was a famous textile manufacturing centre.
They produced beautiful black wool.
But Jesus interestingly said to them, "Whilte garments to cover your shameful nakedness."

3. It was a famous medical research centre
They produced a powder used to mix with water to cure physical eye disease.
Jesus said to them, "Buy from me ointment to put in your eyes so that you can see."

One thing lacking in this city is fresh drinking water.
So they relied on their neighbours to get fresh, clean water.
So they got either hot spring water or cold mountain water delivered through pipes.
Unfortunately when the water arrives, it was neither hot nor cold and becomes difficult for drinking due to the sulphur present in the water.

Jesus used this known fact of the lack of water and said to them,
"You are lukewarm... I will spew you out of my mouth."

So what was wrong with the Church in Laodicea?

1. They were INDIFFERENT
The greatest insult we can give God is half-heartedness.
Give to God all our passion, commitment, love, our hearts to him when we serve him.

2. They were INDEPENDENT
Because they were rich, they relied their security, status and power in what they have rather than on God. There is nothing wrong with being rich but when our riches becomes our security and status and power, then we need to do a rain check.

How can we learn from the Church of Laodicea?

1. Have faith in God and ask for a greater measure of faith in God.
Gold refined in fire...

2. Live a life of holiness in Christ Jesus.
White garments to wear...

3. Receive anointing from the Holy Spirit to see spiritually.
Ointment to put on our eyes.

Lord Jesus, help me to rely on you for security, status and power.
That I will be able to live my life in faith, holiness and anointing. Amen.