Church of Laodicea, Age of Judgment

The last message to the seven churches of Revelation 2 and 3 is given to the church of Laodicea. The name of this church means "a people judged." The sharpest rebuke is given to the final church. It is lukewarm and blind to its own needs. Christ is ready to spit this church out of His mouth. But a message of counsel shows His love for a self—deceived people. Jesus offers the very things this church thinks it does not need. He patiently knocks at the door of this church seeking to enter. To the overcomers of Laodicea, the greatest of all promises is given, to sit with Jesus on His throne. Laodicea perfectly represents the laziness and self—sufficiency of the church at the end of time.

A Self—deceived Church Laodicea was a wealthy city in Asia Minor located about 45 miles southeast of Philadelphia. Unlike the nearby cities of Heirapolis (known for its hot springs) or Collasae (known for its fresh cold water), this city had to pipe water in. By the time it arrived it was lukewarm and distasteful. Jesus described the works of this church as neither hot nor cold. "Because you are lukewarm... I will vomit you out of My mouth" (Revelation 3:16). God detests mediocrity because even a cold church has opportunity to recognize its serious condition.

"You do not know..." marks Laodicea. This church felt it was rich and needed nothing. Actually, it was a prominent banking center known for its self—sufficiency. When it was destroyed by an earthquake, it refused assistance from the emperor to rebuild. Laodicea was also famous for its woolen black cloth and a first—century medical school that specialized in eye ointment. To this wealthy church Jesus said, "You do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked" (v. 17). This is quite strong language for a proud city.

Though wealthy, Christ offers them gold refined in fire (the pure gold of faith). Though famous for its textile business, Jesus calls them "naked" and offers them the white garments of His righteousness. Though known for a medical school that sold a special eye ointment, the Lord says they are "blind" and need His eye salve to see. Jesus loves this church. "As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent" (v. 19). The root word for zealous (zest) means "hot." The Lord wants this church to be on fire and offers help. But God doesn't force Himself on Laodicea. "Behold I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in..." (v. 20).

The Ultimate Promise The promises to the seven churches have slowly been building in number. One might expect the number of promises to be the highest for the last church, but it is only given one. Yet, it exceeds all others. "To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne..." (v. 21). It is a promise that consumes all promises. Sitting with Christ on His throne means you have everything you could ever want or need.

Many churches today are in a near—hopeless condition, not because there is no hope, but because they do not recognize the seriousness of their need. In an age of prosperity and materialism, the church can look around her and count big financial offerings, large numbers of members, numerous institutions raised, houses of worship around the world, and all the good works it has accomplished since its inception. It can sit back and feel it has arrived. But a church that rests on her own laurels is a church that is poor, blind, and naked. Never can the church rely on her own works to secure salvation. No condition can be worse than a state of self—denial for this church feels no need to wake up.

Though the sharpest of all messages is given to Laodicea, it is not a church without hope. Jesus cares deeply about this last church represented by the time before His second coming. It is a judgment hour church in which the final events of earth's history will be culminated. His wake—up call is combined with a loving and persistent knocking. Jesus desires to commune with Laodicea and lift her up to sit with Him on His heavenly throne. Her material wealth and grand accomplishments are no match for the righteousness of Christ which no amount of money can ever buy.