Jesus' Letter to apathetic people.

From: Jesus

The Amen not only speaks the truth; He is the Truth. As the faithful and true witness, He is completely accurate in His assessment of the hearts and minds of the people of Laodicea. He never minces words; He doesn't attempt to put a "spin" on it to make it more palatable. He simply and completely lets them know what He sees and what He wants done about it. They can take it to the bank! Likewise, what He says to us is always, absolutely true. We can rely on His instructions and His promises.

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To: Laodicea

LAODICEA
[LAY ah duh SEE uh]-a city in the fertile Lycus Valley of the province of Phrygia where one of the seven churches of Asia Minor was situated (Rev 3:14). About 65 kilometers (40 miles) east of Ephesus and about 16 kilometers (10 miles) west of Colossae, Laodicea was built on the banks of the river Lycus, a tributary of the Maeander River.
The words of the risen Christ to Laodicea in Rev 3:14-22 contain allusions to the economic prosperity and social prominence of the city. Founded by the Seleucids and named for Laodice, the wife of Antiochus II (261-247 B.C.), Laodicea became extremely wealthy during the Roman period. For example, in 62 B.C. Flaccus siezed the annual contribution of the Jews of Laodicea for Jerusalem amounting to 20 pounds of gold. Moreover, when the city was destroyed by an earthquake in A.D. 60 (along with Colossae and Hierapolis), it alone refused aid from Rome for rebuilding (compare the self-sufficient attitude of the church of Laodicea in Rev 3:17). Laodicea was known for its black wool industry; it manufactured garments from the raven-black wool produced by the sheep of the surrounding area.

The apostle Paul does not seem to have visited Laodicea at the time he wrote Col 2:1. Epaphras, Tychicus, Onesimus, and Mark seem to have been the early messengers of the gospel there (Col 1:7; 4:7-15). A letter addressed to the Laodiceans by Paul (Col 4:16) has apparently been lost; some consider it to be a copy of the Ephesian letter. A church council was supposedly held at Laodicea (A.D. 344-363), but all that has come down to us are statements from other councils. The site of Laodicea is now a deserted heap of ruins that the Turks call Eski Hisar, or "old castle."

According to the comments about the church at Laodicea in the Book of Revelation, this congregation consisted of lukewarm Christians (Rev 3:14-22). The living Lord demands enthusiasm and total commitment from those who worship Him. (from Nelson's Illustrated Bible Dictionary, Copyright (c)1986, Thomas Nelson Publishers)

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Commendation:

Jesus offers no commendation to the people in the church of Laodicea. Their apathy fills Him with nausea leaving no room for praise.

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Problem:

Jesus tells these people that He knows their works, their lives, and they are neither hot nor cold. He would like them to be anything other than what they are which is lukewarm. I have heard these temperatures explained as either on fire for the Lord or giving Him the cold shoulder in defiance. Yet, it's difficult to believe that the Lamb of God would prefer someone for whom He died to be antagonistic towards Him. This explanation might hold water if Jesus had said He would prefer they fervently loved Him and having neither of the other two attitudes (indifference nor antagonism.) A clue to another possible interpretation is found in the only other place this word is found in the New Testament. Matthew 10:42 "And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water..." Perhaps Jesus was using the analogy of water because He wanted these people to serve their world like hot and cold water. Be hot water and bring warmth, healing and sanitation, or be cold water, refreshing and life giving. Since He said earlier that He knew their deeds or works, He appears to be talking about their interaction with others rather than their interaction with Him. By being lukewarm, they may be going through life so wrapped up in themselves that they are indifferent and uninvolved in the lives of those around them. Jesus goes on to explain that their ineffectual behavior toward others comes from their believing they have no needs. They are self confident, self satisfied and self absorbed and this makes the Lord of the Universe sick.

Revelations 3:16
'So because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of My mouth.'
The word used for spit is the Greek word from which we get the word emesis (the little pan you get in the hospital when you have to vomit).

Does my indifference to the needs of people around me nauseate Jesus?

Jesus then proceeds to reveal the depth of their ignorance. They think they have need of nothing; yet, He insists they are wretched, miserable, poor, blind and naked. It's one thing to be in such a horrible condition as this, but to be so accustomed to it that you are no longer aware of it! That's so far gone, I have trouble imagining it. Trouble imagining, that is until I survey my own track record. These people live in a state of oblivion. They are unaware and unconcerned about others, and they mistakenly believe they are safe and secure.

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Consequences:

Every other church that Jesus criticized was given consequences if they did not repent from the direction they were going. Laodicea has so totally excluded the Lord from their congregation that He, the Head of the Church is on the outside, knocking at the door to obtain admission. Jesus tells them that he disciplines those He loves. Since I am convinced that even our apathy and self centeredness cannot separate us from His love (Romans 8:31), I conclude that His discipline is given as an instruction rather than a warning. They are advised to procure gold refined by fire, white robes and eye salve. Jesus isn't changing the rules and insisting that they must now earn/buy their salvation with works or possessions. The cost of these items is dying to self. This would constitute repentence (reversal of current direction). They are self sufficient and self reliant. He tells them to turn from this, invite Him back into the Church and their lives as Lord. Repent from chasing after wealth that can be stolen or lose its value. Instead, set their hearts on the treasures of Heaven. Repent from all attempts to earn righteousness through a balancing act between good and evil deeds. Instead, receive Christ and His Righteousness. His blood can wash away any sin and leave them and us white as snow. Repent from the self absorption that has blinded them both to the Lord and the needs of others around them. Allow Christ to clear their vision, by giving Him their hearts. He will soften their hearts and enable them to see as He sees.

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Promises:

There are two promises. The first is immediate communion with their Saviour and Lord. If they open their hearts to Him, He will come in and dine with them. The second promise is that they will rule with Him. This is so utterly encouraging! People so apathetic toward everything the Lord holds dear that they make Him sick can not only be forgiven, but can be used in a powerful, fulfilling way once they surrender to Jesus!

The wrong way to live within your means.