Revelation 3:14-22
Today's Passage: Revelation 3:14-22
Laodicea sat in an important crossroads for three imperial routes and became a city of great wealth and commerce. They were famous for their wool cloth industry. They were famous as a medical center, particularly for ophthalmic therapy. The city was so wealthy that after a devastating earthquake around 60 AD, they refused the offered Roman imperial aid, which the neighboring cities were glad to accept.
The historical record regarding the church at Laodicea shows no persecution, no serious suffering, no external pressure to sin or deny their faith, but neither does it show any exemplary works. The church was comfortable and reflected the physical, financial, and cultural prosperity and independence of the city in which it resided. However, it’s for the church at Laodicea that the Lord reserves his harshest critiques.
Many of us have heard teaching on the Lord’s words, “I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot…” And, we often equate this criticism as more like a light switch, “I’d rather you be on or off.” While it may be true that the Lord doesn’t appreciate those who try to ride the spiritual fence, it misses the geographical reference that every person in Laodicea would have understood.
In addition to this, the water arriving from Hierapolis contained many minerals (which added to its medicinal notoriety), which deposited on the pipes used to carry the water from the north. Not only was it lukewarm, but the minerals gave it a harsh taste that caused many visitors to wretch.
The Lord took this well-known and notable feature of the city and applied it spiritually. In effect, saying, you are neither refreshing to the parched nor healing to the hurting. And, just like your gross city water, I vomit (many translations use the euphemism “spit”) you out.
In a city known for wealth and independence, the church arrogantly saw themselves likewise as “rich, prosperous, and needing nothing.” The Lord’s evaluation is quite different. They are “wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked.” The wealthy city lacked the Lord’s gold and riches. The city famous for wool lacked the white garments of righteousness. The city that famously exported a medicinal powder called “Phrygian powder” as an eye salve, lacked the healing to see. Everything in which they gloried was their shame.
Brothers and sisters in Christ are persecuted and dying all around the world. For centuries, people have craved God’s Word in a language they can read and understand, not only can we read, but we have free access to literally dozens of translations in our pocket. We do worship in a temperature controlled room on cushioned seats. Woe to us and our comfortable Christianity. Our glory, may in fact, become our shame.
And yet, look at the Lord’s grace, “Behold, I stand at the door and knock…” Patiently the Lord waits for one who will dine at his table, one who will beat back the darkness of sin and conquer for the Kingdom of God.
Written By: Tyler Short
Laodicea sat in an important crossroads for three imperial routes and became a city of great wealth and commerce. They were famous for their wool cloth industry. They were famous as a medical center, particularly for ophthalmic therapy. The city was so wealthy that after a devastating earthquake around 60 AD, they refused the offered Roman imperial aid, which the neighboring cities were glad to accept.
The historical record regarding the church at Laodicea shows no persecution, no serious suffering, no external pressure to sin or deny their faith, but neither does it show any exemplary works. The church was comfortable and reflected the physical, financial, and cultural prosperity and independence of the city in which it resided. However, it’s for the church at Laodicea that the Lord reserves his harshest critiques.
Many of us have heard teaching on the Lord’s words, “I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot…” And, we often equate this criticism as more like a light switch, “I’d rather you be on or off.” While it may be true that the Lord doesn’t appreciate those who try to ride the spiritual fence, it misses the geographical reference that every person in Laodicea would have understood.
“Laodicea was near two other towns, each of which had a unique water source. To the north was Hierapolis which had a natural hot spring, often used for medicinal purposes. To the east was Colossae which had cold, pure waters. In contrast to these towns, Laodicea had no permanent supply of good water. Efforts to pipe water to the city from nearby springs were successful, but it would arrive lukewarm. The metaphor in the text is not meant to relate spiritual fervor to temperature. This would mean that Laodicea would be commended for being spiritually cold, but it is unlikely that Jesus would commend this. Instead, the metaphor condemns Laodicea for not providing spiritual healing (being hot) or spiritual refreshment (being cold) to those around them. It is a condemnation of their lack of works and lack of witness.” (NET Study Notes)
In addition to this, the water arriving from Hierapolis contained many minerals (which added to its medicinal notoriety), which deposited on the pipes used to carry the water from the north. Not only was it lukewarm, but the minerals gave it a harsh taste that caused many visitors to wretch.
The Lord took this well-known and notable feature of the city and applied it spiritually. In effect, saying, you are neither refreshing to the parched nor healing to the hurting. And, just like your gross city water, I vomit (many translations use the euphemism “spit”) you out.
In a city known for wealth and independence, the church arrogantly saw themselves likewise as “rich, prosperous, and needing nothing.” The Lord’s evaluation is quite different. They are “wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked.” The wealthy city lacked the Lord’s gold and riches. The city famous for wool lacked the white garments of righteousness. The city that famously exported a medicinal powder called “Phrygian powder” as an eye salve, lacked the healing to see. Everything in which they gloried was their shame.
Brothers and sisters in Christ are persecuted and dying all around the world. For centuries, people have craved God’s Word in a language they can read and understand, not only can we read, but we have free access to literally dozens of translations in our pocket. We do worship in a temperature controlled room on cushioned seats. Woe to us and our comfortable Christianity. Our glory, may in fact, become our shame.
And yet, look at the Lord’s grace, “Behold, I stand at the door and knock…” Patiently the Lord waits for one who will dine at his table, one who will beat back the darkness of sin and conquer for the Kingdom of God.
Written By: Tyler Short
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