December 11, 2024 - Revelation 3:14-22

One final letter to the churches, this one to the church in Laodicea.  The situation is that of another church that is deceived, thinking it is in good shape.  But the One who sees into the heart and discerns the thoughts of men says, “I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot!  So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth” (3:15-16).  The church thought itself to be rich and not needing anything from God when, in fact, they were “wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked” (3:17).  Pretty ominous words someone might say and, indeed, they are.  But let us never forget that our God is gracious and merciful.  He counsels the church:  “Buy from me gold refined by fire, so that you may be rich, and white garments so that you may clothe yourself and the shame of your nakedness may not be seen, and salve to anoint your eyes, so that you may see” (3:18).  Any who would come repenting to God, to that person God will come and eat with him and he with God.  Good news!

Send forth the gospel!  Let it run

southward and northward, and east and west:

tell all the earth Christ died and lives,

He offers pardon, life, and rest.   --Henry Elliott Fox (1899)