The Church of Laodicea
The Lukewarm Church
Here Christ introduced Himself as the Amen, the faithful and true Witness, and the Ruler of God’s creation. As the Ruler of God’s Creation He is sovereign over it. Which gives Him the right for the stern word of rebuke He gave to the church in Laodicea and all who are lukewarm in today’s church?
Laodicea was the only church which received no commendation; they were seen as utterly repugnant to Christ because they were lukewarm. They were spiritually lukewarm because of their being content with their material wealth and their being unaware of their spiritual poverty. Material wealth does not mean being rich, it means putting a greater value on material things then Godly things. The words which Christ used to describe them were wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. How lukewarm are Christians in today’s church who don’t stand and praise Him for what he is doing in their life’s, for the blessing and acts of loving kindness He is giving to them. Those who don’t worship Him for who He is, the Lord God Almighty, the God who died for us and the giver and sustainer of life. Those who doubt He is what the Word says He is and can do what the Word says He can do.
Christ urges those who are lukewarm to clothes themselves in garments of righteousness so that their spiritual nakedness would be removed. To anoint their eyes with eye salve that they may see, how many in today’s church need to anoint their eyes with the Word of God so that they may see, understand and gain wisdom of what God has for them. How the things of this world can’t compared to what God has prepared for us. He says “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. Oh! To sit at the table and eat with the Lord, to have fellowship with Him and share in His marvelous grace and all the promises it brings, is that not what we hope and pray for.
But there is more for those who will overcome their being lukewarm, who will repent and praise and worship Him, who will put Him first in their hearts, He will grant a place for them to sit with Him in His throne, to join with Him and sit with the Father in his throne.
The letters to the seven churches are writhing of the problems that face the church today. The dangers of losing our first love, of being afraid of suffering, moral departures from righteousness, spiritual deadness and not holding fast to the faith. There is a way back that way is Jesus Christ. Today if you find yourself in a lukewarm state, open the door He will come in unto you, He will warn your spirit, He will place a song of praise and worship in your heart.
Thank you Lord Jesus for standing in the gap, when we fall from grace. Oh how blessed we are to have You on the right hand of the Father, interceding on our behalf.
In Jesus name, Amen
In His will,
Pastor William Francis