“And to the angel (Pastor) of the church of the Laodiceans write, ‘These things says the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God: “I KNOW YOUR WORKS, that YOU ARE NEITHER COLD OR HOT. I could wish you were cold or hot. So then, BECAUSE YOU ARE LUKEWARM, and neither cold nor hot, I WILL VOMIT YOU OUT OF MY MOUTH. Because you say, ‘I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing’—and do not know that YOU ARE WRETCHED, MISERABLE, POOR, BLIND, AND NAKED…” (Revelation 3:14-17)
Jesus’ final and most forceful message, addressed to the church at Laodicea. We learn from Christ’s assessment that the Laodicean church was lukewarm, smug, and self-satisfied. It boasted about its wealth and NEED OF NOTHING. But the church deceived itself. In terms of its spiritual condition, it was wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked. Jesus urged the church to TURN TO HIM, because He was positioned OUTSIDE THE CHURCH (“Behold, I STAND AT THE DOOR and knock. If anyone hears My voice and OPENS THE DOOR, I WILL COME IN to him and dine with him, and he with Me.” (Revelation 3:20)), inviting whoever heard His voice to open the door and welcome Him. Laodicea is the only church of seven which receives ONLY CRITICISM, AND NO POSITIVE REMARKS.
In the last days how will people see the kingdom of heaven? It’s, “…like a king who prepared a wedding banquet for his son. He sent to those who had been invited to, but THEY REFUSED TO COME…he sent out other servants…But they made light of it and WENT THEIR WAYS…many are called, but FEW ARE CHOSEN. (klektos: Unfortunately, many choose not to)“ (Matthew 22:2-5, 14)
WATCH THEREFORE, FOR YOU KNOW NEITHER THE DAY NOR THE HOUR IN WHICH THE SON OF MAN IS COMING. (Matthew 25:13) DON’T BE TO BUSY TO HEAR THE LORD’S CALL…
Your Personal Pastor -Bill Stockham