July 2010

The Church of Laodicea

The Church of Laodicea is described in Revelation 3:14-22 as the church that made the Lord sick! This lukewarm church had completely departed from the truth and had become utterly distasteful to “the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God.”

This apostate church had allowed material riches to blind it and create a false security in its wealth and affluence. This church exhibited a prideful spirit, an attitude of self sufficiency, and a very materialistic nature. Yet the Lord revealed they were “wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked.”

This church was more interested in ‘programs’ instead of the Person, Jesus Christ. The people were more concerned about their rituals than their relationship with the Lord. It would do the church well to remember; there is no effective ministry apart from the power and ministry of the Holy Spirit of God. He works in conjunction with the Bible, God’s written Word. Our preachers and teachers need to return to expository Bible preaching and teaching. The Bible is God’s chosen method of feeding His children and maturing His disciples. Individual Christians need to have a daily disciplined intake of God’s Word. Without it, Christians will remain weak and powerless against evil.

There are no commendations expressed to the Church of Laodicea, only condemnations! However, the gracious Lord offered counsel to invest in gold, purified by fire, which depicts spiritual wealth from Christ. Lay up treasures in heaven! He instructed the church’s membership to cover their nakedness with the “white raiment” that was purchased by the blood of Jesus for them. They needed salvation from Christ through repentance! Jesus urged them to allow the Holy Spirit to anoint their spiritual eyes with eyesalve that they may see in faith.

It is a sad testament to any church where Jesus is standing outside knocking, waiting to be invited in as Lord of the church He paid for with His blood. Jesus grants a call and season to repent! “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.” To the overcomers, Christ promised they would be allowed to sit with Him on His throne: eternal enthronement!

Each letter to the seven churches concludes with the admonition; “He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith to the churches.” Are we listening?

Lord, we repent of our lukewarmness and making You sick. Forgive us for placing rituals and traditions before You. Enable us to return to You and live in close daily fellowship in Your presence. As we are, so is the church. As the church is, so is our nation. We need a fresh breath from You. Forgive us. Restore us. Reignite within us our love for You.

Learning to serve,
Robert Finley