I have to ask myself that question as I read Revelation 3:14-22
The lukewarm church Is the modern day way. I see it everywhere I go, and I run the risk of falling into that spiritual category with my own personal relationship with Christ. I can get too busy, become too apathetic about my great commission; which is to go, observe and teach. So it makes me wonder, at what point is God going to say, “I’ve waited long enough.”
There is coming a day when the door of opportunity for salvation is closed, be not deceived, it will be a sad, sad day… not only for the unsaved, but the saved as well when our opportunity to win the souls of our friends and family is over.
Revelation 3:14-22 KJV
[14] And unto the angel k of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God; [15] I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. [16] So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. [17] Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked: [18] I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see. [19] As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent. [20] Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. [21] To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne. [22] He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.
The Laodicean church was the wealthiest of the seven. It was known for four illustrative things in Christ’s message on their final days. Three industries and their source of water (a vital part of any community).
The Banker
It was known for its banking industry, being a city of great wealth. How much of an Industry is that across America? It’s big business and it’s more often than not a merciless business. So when John writes the words of Christ “I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire.” He’s not trying to sell them something, He speaks of the spiritual treasures. Those things that moth and rust cannot corrupt and cannot be obtained through earthly means. There will be no banker in Heaven, but there will be great wealth.
What does that say about our time here on earth? Which is the more important to focus on, dollars or destiny! Gloray! I’m headed to work in about 40 minutes, but I can assure you, my heart is not on the dollars I’ll derive from my day at work. It’s on what spiritual gold I can lay up today by doing something for Jesus.
The Merchant
Another industry of Laodicea was the manufacturing of wool. As we are heading into the winter season here in West Virginia wool is a great thing. But the Christ speaks to the desire within most of us for “stuff”. Or perhaps it’s just me. I love stuff! But verse 18 continues with Christ’s counsel “that thou mayest be rich, and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear.”
I love, love, love clothes and shoes. I’m a fanatic . But I am aware that my trip before the throne will not find me clad in leopard boots and cute jeans. Nope. My apparel will be the robe of righteousness that Christ made for me when He took my sins upon His back on the cross. Christ reminds me that I need not be so focused on how good I look on the outside, but what is most important is what is going on inside with my heart. My robe and my position in Heaven, will be dependent upon the spiritual treasure I lay up through the winning of souls and my Kingdom work.
The Educator
Within the city of Laodicea was a medical school that produced eye salve. Can you see the spiritual implications there? Christ continues His counsel “anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mightest see.”
I am forever grateful for the medical team that did my open heart surgery. I’m especially grateful for those that I felt understood my reliance on Christ, not them. But of the team who did my surgery wasn’t a completely saved group. Yet God worked through them to save my life. How I wish that they would have healed their own hearts by accepting what Christ did for them. This was Christ’s counsel to the educated of they city… don’t forget Who created you.
The Water Source
At one time an aqueduct was built to bring water to the city from hot springs. By the time the water reached the city it was neither hot nor refreshingly cold, but was rather lukewarm. Christ used this for the illustration of the church that had lost its zeal for Him. The church had become as bland, tepid water, not fit for anything.
And so it is with religion of today. The churches who are more concerned with appearances and worldly acceptance have nothing that will satisfy the dry thirsting soul of the sinner, God help us.
I pray today that you and I will take the refreshing water of the Spirit and word of God to the world around us, I gotta go… but praise God, I’m fired up and ready
At one time an aqueduct was built to bring water to the city from hot springs. By the time the water reached the city it was neither hot nor refreshingly cold, but was rather lukewarm. Christ used this for the illustration of the church that had lost its zeal for Him. The church had become as bland, tepid water, not fit for anything.
And so it is with religion of today. The churches who are more concerned with appearances and worldly acceptance have nothing that will satisfy the dry thirsting soul of the sinner, God help us.
I pray today that you and I will take the refreshing water of the Spirit and word of God to the world around us, I gotta go… but praise God, I’m fired up and ready
