Revelation 3:14-22

In these letters, we have been hearing what Jesus is saying about the 'local church'. His opinion is the only one that matters, because noone else has such an insight to the church as it is His body.

This letter to Laodicea is the most shocking - there is nothing commendable that Jesus has to say about them! They had no outwardly serious issues but instead they had become lukewarm, indifferent to Jesus and the gospel.

How do we react when our energy runs out and we start getting comfortable in sitting back in our chairs? In those situations somewhere along the line the relationship has changed. There is a great danger of becoming 'nominal' Christians. Where we are just keeping up appearances and not doing much.

Jesus didn't want to say that being cold was preferable. He meant that instead of being lukewarm and disgusting to be cool, refreshing, and energising.

The root of their problem in Laodicea was there lack of self awareness. They thought they were okay and didn't need anything. But Jesus who is the true witness of their hearts pointed out to them their faults.

Jesus offered a fresh start for them - through His Spirit He could breathe new life into their hearts and get them fired up. Jesus was saying that He is all the believer needs. He has the wealth of heaven for us. So we don't need to rely on the other things that we might hold dear in the world. The job, friends, success, and others. Jesus says to not trust in those things but to trust only in Him.

It seems harsh, but Jesus reassures that His rebuke and interest in the church means He still lives them and is holding onto them. If the church repents He will welcome them back to His throne.

Jesus' call is to reengage with Him. To open the door and invite Him back in. The imagery is to have a meal with Him - an image of intimacy and friendship.