Letters to the seven churches: Laodicea

Revelation 3:14-22
The church of Laodicea is the seventh and last one that Jesus writes to. Along with Sardis, is has nothing good said about it. The name ‘Laodicea’ comes from lao, people (‘laity’) and dicea to rule. Thus the church of Laodicea is a church ruled by the people instead of by God. We’ll go on to see how this church had left Jesus outside their door, knocking unnoticed. It’s also interesting to note that the other six churches are addressed as ‘the church at...’ whereas this letter is addressed to ‘the church of the Laodiceans’. They had taken ownership of it, instead of remembering that it is God’s church. Laodicea represents the apostate church of the last days, and many of its characteristics can be seen in churches today.
The title Jesus uses of Himself is “the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God’s creation” (Rev. 3:14, c.f. Rev. 1:5). He is the source of all truth, and that truth is absolute, not relative, as many of today’s churches teach. He is the ruler of God’s creation – the arche, or architect. Isn’t it interesting how the church today has tried to marry the idea of evolution into the Genesis account (or even throw out Genesis altogether)!
Then Jesus goes on straightaway to rebuke them. He says He wishes they were cold or hot, but they are lukewarm. If they were cold or hot (in terms of salvation), then at least you know where they stand. But someone who is lukewarm, apathetic, goes along to church on Sundays for their religious fix, can be self-deceived into thinking they are saved when perhaps they are not. Such a person is much more difficult to reach than an unsaved person who knows they are not right with God. This church had fattened itself with material riches, but where spiritually impoverished (Rev. 3:17).
Next comes the exhortation: Repent, and be earnest – be hot, rather than lukewarm. Then we have an invitation from Jesus: “I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with Me” (Rev. 3:20). This is wonderful as an altar call, but tragic in its context here: Jesus has been left outside the church, and nobody noticed!
The promise to the overcomer follows: to sit with Jesus on His throne. This refers to us reigning with Christ (Eph. 2:6, 2 Tim. 2:12). Finally comes the ‘He who has an ear’ phrase.

I hope these discussions about the seven churches have been helpful to you!