Jesus concludes each of the messages to the 7 churches in the book of Revelation with the words
“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”
The Church in Laodicea
Jesus introduces Himself
The Amen
The Faithful and True witness.
The final word of God’s creation (Colossians 1:16-17).
Revelation 3:15-16
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.
Three strengths of the Laodiceans
Wealthy
Producers of high-end clothing made of soft, glossy wool. This was equivalent to mink fur and other clothing at that level of luxury.
They had a medical school (opthalmology) and invented an eye-salve that is still used today.
One Weakness
They had no immediate source of water. Water was piped in from neighboring hot springs and mountains. By the time the originally hot and cold water arrived, it become luke warm.
The Laodiceans held false beliefs and were complacent in their wealth which seems common today. Remember, the Bible said “It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.” and “the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.”
Jesus offered this counsel to the Laodiceans
Revelation 3:18
I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see.
Take a look in the mirror and test yourself.
2 Corinthians 13:5
Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you—unless, of course, you fail the test?
Do you see your need for Jesus?
Do you take Jesus and His Word seriously?
Is your conscience troubled by sin?
Do you have a heart’s desire to engage in the things of God?
Do you see evidence (fruit) of the Holy Spirit’s presence and power in your life?
