As many as I love, I reprove and chasten. Be zealous therefore, and repent. Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, then I will come in to him, and will dine with him, and he with me. Revelation 3:19-20 WEB

The church at Laodicea was not enthusiastic in their service to the Lord. Their apathy was due to their wealth and comfortable status. Although they had a church, they had not yet truly devoted themselves to being of benefit to the kingdom of heaven. These words in Revelation demonstrate Christ’s desire to correct and forgive their inactivity.

Laodicea was a rich Roman city in the Lycus river valley. It was situated near two other prosperous cities, Colossae, and Hierapolis. Each of these cities had unique water sources. Colossae had cold, refreshing mountain run-off water. Hierapolis had mineral rich hot springs used as therapeutic baths. In contrast, Laodicea had lower quality, gritty, lukewarm water brought to the city by an aqueduct.

Because You Are Lukewarm

The contrasts in these water sources are used to create a metaphor for the people of Laodicea concerning their spiritual lives. Christ says in Revelation 3:16, “So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will vomit you out of my mouth. WEB” In other words, the Laodiceans’ lack of enthusiasm for God displeased the Lord like their lukewarm water displeased them. In service, we are called to be of benefit to others like Colossae’s cold refreshing water or Hierapolis’ hot therapeutic springs.  

Because of pride and material wealth, the Laodiceans did not have passion for Christ. This scripture is relevant to anyone who does not have enthusiasm for serving and worshiping God. It is a warning to all who are lukewarm in their faith.

Blessed with material success, the church members thought and felt that they did not need anything beyond their worldly luxuries. They took comfort in their wealth rather than in God. Out of love and correction, Christ is calling them to repent saying, “I stand at the door and knock.” The Lord seeks a personal relationship and fellowship with church members who place God above all other things in their lives. 

Invite Christ In

It is important to note that God will not force himself on us. As Jesus says to the church at Laodicea, “I stand at the door and knock.” Christ is waiting for an invitation to come into the church. Self-satisfied, the church was holding service without the presence of the Lord.

This illustrates the difference between simply attending church and actually having Christ in our lives. There may be many unsaved people in a congregation. We should sometimes ask ourselves, do I belong to a church, or do I belong to the Lord? Am I lukewarm in my relationship with Jesus? If so, now is the time to answer the door and let Jesus into our lives fully and completely.  

Yesterday’s Devotional: The First Day