Rev 3:17 For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing, not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked.
As you may have guessed I am talking about the church in Laodicea. Jesus speaks very sternly to this church for obvious reasons. They really don't need Him.
... the Laodicean church’s “lukewarm” legacy was not its final legacy.
The church at Laodicea survived Domitian’s (Ceasers) reign. The city became a seat of a Christian bishop, and a Christian council was even held there in the fourth century. Archaeologists have discovered about 20 ancient Christian chapels and churches at the site. The largest church at Laodicea, called the Church of Laodicea took up an entire city block and dates to the beginning of the fourth century.
As you may have guessed I am talking about the church in Laodicea. Jesus speaks very sternly to this church for obvious reasons. They really don't need Him.
Years ago I was in some service, somewhere, listening to some preacher. I really don't remember. But I do remember what the minister said. "We've become the church in Laodicea, we don't need God anymore, we worship Him but we don't give Him permission to enter our lives or churches." OUCH! I thought.
Now you might say, "Well, my church isn't that way!" Then you stop here and praise God for that.
Now there are a few observations I want to make about the church in Laodicea you might find interesting.
They didn't know that they were wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked. They had to be told. I'm sure if you were in the church of Laodicea when this letter was read you might have felt anger, embarrassment, and humiliation.
Their pride was their downfall. They didn't need God because they were so rich, smart and better than everyone else. Arrogance is a horrible taskmaster. It will convince you that you don't need God all the while sucking the life out of your soul.
Being spiritually dispassionate was a way of life. As far as we can tell, there was no call by anyone in the church to wake up and renew their relationship with Jesus.
Is there something rumbling in the depth of your spirit? Is there a holy discomfort in your soul? What do you do?
Pray. Ask God what to do. Pray for your leadership, pray for your church, pray for yourself.
Wait. Patience is a true teacher. Wait for God to move in your life.
Hope. Place your hope in Christ and He will not fail you.
Don't quit - Don't become a holy crusader - Don't allow yourself to become bitter while waiting.
PRAY: Dear Jesus, put a holy discomfort in my heart to seek more of you in my life. AMEN
PS. What happened to the church in Laodicea? According to Bibicalarchaeology.org
... the Laodicean church’s “lukewarm” legacy was not its final legacy.
The church at Laodicea survived Domitian’s (Ceasers) reign. The city became a seat of a Christian bishop, and a Christian council was even held there in the fourth century. Archaeologists have discovered about 20 ancient Christian chapels and churches at the site. The largest church at Laodicea, called the Church of Laodicea took up an entire city block and dates to the beginning of the fourth century.
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