Spitting Mad

​Rev 3:14-22
A well known church leader of the 20th century said that the letter to the church in Laodicea is a very fitting letter to the church of America. It’s kind of harsh. The problem in Laodicea was that the church there was spoiled by comfort. They had become lackadaisical about their faith. The American dream tells us that if we work hard, we can find material comfort. The warning of this letter is that material comfort can lead us to a lazy faith. Jesus says that they are like drinking lukewarm water. It’s not refreshing cold water on a hot summer day, it’s not soothing hot water on a cold winter day. It’s a yucky lukewarm sip that makes you want to spew.

But Jesus is gracious. He doesn’t leave them there. He invites them to come to him. Just as Isaiah (Chapter 55) invited His people to come and buy what they need, Jesus invites them to do the same. He states His love for the people in His rebuke. He thinks they are worth pursuing! He calls them to invite Him in. It’s like He is just outside the door knocking. All they have to do is hear the knock and open the door. If they will do that then an intimate dinner party will begin. Jesus actually wants time with us, but He won’t barge in. He wants us to ask Him. We must admit our need of Him. As soon as we do, He shows up and everything gets better.
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The truth of the matter is that we are needy. The sooner we can admit it, the better. As much as we don’t like to admit it, we need Jesus. We need him every hour. The dinner party awaits!

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