Laodicea

There were hot healing springs at Hierapolis and cold refreshing springs at Colosse. Both were beneficial. But lukewarm water was only considered useful as an emetic.

This is the image used to describe the church at Laodicea.

As the Bible says, “…I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth…” (Revelation 3:15-16).

Imagine the reaction when this letter was read to the church. It is a challenging condemnation.

What they needed was a fresh unveiling of Christ.

And that is how the letter begins, “…To the angel of the church in Laodicea write: These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God’s creation…” (Revelation 3:14).

When we are tempted to be faithless, we need a fresh revelation of God’s faithfulness (Cf. 2 Tim 2:13).

As we enter a new year, why don’t we heed the warning of lukewarm Laodicea and follow the example of healing Hierapolis and refreshing Colosse?

With the faithfulness of Christ as our inspiration, let’s determine to live and lead faithfully and beneficially.

Robert