Hello and welcome to Van Life Devotions. We are in Turkey and currently we are visiting the areas that Jesus wrote to in Revelation chapters 2 and 3. Today we are in Laodicea. This was a wealthy area that had a large population of Jews. It was becoming increasingly hard for Christians to buy or sell unless they did what Rome wanted. The pressure upon rich Christians to maintain their wealth was intense. Since a great deal of Laodicea’s wealth depended upon trade, the Christian merchants were in a dilemma. Would they cooperate with the imperial cult and maintain their trade associations, or would they reject the emperor and reaffirm their faith in Christ? Many of the Laodicean Christians found ways to compromise their faith.
This led Jesus to address this church with very strong language. He told them in Revelation 3 verses 15 and 16, “I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth” (Revelation 3:15-16 NIV). When the Laodicean Christians read this, they knew what Jesus was referring to. You see, the water supply to this city came from two areas. The cold water came from Colossae, and it was pure and useful for drinking. The water from Hierapolis was hot and useful for medical purposes. Both water supplies came to Laodicea via aqueducts and pipes. However, both become relatively useless by the time it arrived as the water was lukewarm, unable to be used for medicinal purposes, and the lukewarm water also caused vomiting for those who drank it. That’s why Jesus said, “I wish you were either one or the other” so at least one would be useful.
Jesus highlighted that their material wealth has blinded them to the spiritual riches found only in Christ. He tells them to repent and if they do, He promises in verses 20 and 21: “If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me. To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I was victorious and sat down with my Father on his throne” (Revelation 3:20-21 NIV).
The church did survive over the next several hundred years. In fact, it seemed to thrive as archaeologists have discover around 20 churches around this area, this being the largest known simply as the Church of Laodicea. Laodicea remained an important city until the seventh century when it was struck by a devastating earthquake and therefore abandoned.
Christ’s words ought to challenge us, particularly if we live in a first world country like Australia. Compared with most in the world, we are materially wealthy and live in somewhat safety resulting in a comfortable faith. Perhaps it may even be described as lukewarm. We too could become a monument rather than a movement of God. May our faith remain alive and active as we seek to make a difference for God’s Kingdom.
Let’s pray.
Dear God. May our faith remain alive. Please give us may ears to hear what the Spirit is saying to us. O God, preserve us who travel; surround us with your loving care; protect us from every danger; and bring us in safety to our journey’s end; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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