Key Verse: “ I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish that you were cold or hot. So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I am going to vomit you out of my mouth. For you say, ‘I’m rich; I have become wealthy and need nothing,’ and you don’t realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind, and naked.” (Revelation 3:15-17 CSB)
The few times I’ve had the privilege of traveling to the developing world, I have been struck by the affluence of North America. In comparison to so many, we live very comfortable lives, having much more than we would ever need.
The church in Laodicea found themselves in a similar situation. Situated at a key point along the trade routes, Laodicea was a very prosperous and affluent city, and a hub of industry in commerce, clothing and medicine. When Jesus wrote to them through the Apostle John, He had some of the hardest things to say to the believers there. He described them as “neither cold nor hot” (v.15), but rather “lukewarm” (v.16).
What exactly was Jesus trying to say to them? Interestingly, Laodicea was situated approximately six miles south of Hierapolis, and ten miles west of Colossae. Hierapolis was known for its hot mineral springs, and Colossae for its cold drinking water. With no water source of its own, the people of Laodicea had to pump water in from these neighboring cities. But when the water arrived, it was no longer hot or cold, but rather lukewarm, and in some cases undrinkable, depending on the amount of minerals it contained.
Playing off these local realities, Jesus said to them, “So because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I am going to vomit you out of my mouth” (v.16). The water wasn’t making Jesus nauseous. The believers in Laodicea were!
Why? What was the problem? Jesus went on to say, “For you say, ‘I’m rich; I have become wealthy and need nothing,’ and you don’t realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind, and naked” (v.17). The problem with the church in Laodicea was that they had become way to comfortable enjoying the lavishness and luxury of the world around them. As a result, it had dulled their spiritual senses and diminished their fervency for the kingdom mission. They had become blind to their spiritual reality.
Out of love for them, Jesus rebuked the church and called them to “be zealous and repent” (v.19). He was standing at the door knocking and waiting to be invited back into the center of their lives where they could enjoy renewed spiritual life in fellowship with Him. He was inviting them to drink of the living water that He could give them so that “they would never get thirsty again” (John 4:14).
The problem facing the church in Laodicea remains a prevalent threat to us today. We me be careful not to get too comfortable. While there is nothing wrong with having wealth, we must always be on guard from being deceived by it, and falling into the trap of greed and self-indulgence. Ultimately it will cause us to turn our backs on Christ and shut him out of our lives, just like those in Laodicea had done.
True wealth is not measured by what we have physically, but rather by our spiritual blessings. Those who are truly rich are not those who say, “I have become wealthy and need nothing” (v.17), because they enjoy the luxuries of this world. Rather, it is those who say, “I have become wealthy and need nothing, because I have Christ.” Jesus invites us today to enjoy the riches of knowing Him in a deeper way. May this be the pursuit of our lives more and more.
Prayer: Jesus, keep my heart from being lured by the riches of the world around me, and getting too comfortable. Help me to see more clearly today the surpassing value of knowing you. Fill me with a renewed passion and zeal for you above all else. Amen.
Author: Jonathan Miller has served in pastoral roles for more than 13 years in churches in Barrie, Oakville and Burlington, Ontario. He currently serves as the Chief Operating Officer at Prison Fellowship Canada, a ministry that mobilizes and equips local churches to engage in the restorative work of prisoners, ex-prisoners, their families, and victims across Canada. Jon holds degrees from McMaster University and Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. He and his wife Adrienne have been married since 2004, and live in Burlington, Ontario with their 4 children. Jon’s greatest passion is to know Jesus and to see lives transformed by Him and for Him.
