John 15:18-27, Revelation 3:14-22, Job 29, Joel 1

Revelation 3:14-22:

And finally in these letters to the seven letters of Asia, we come to the famous letter to the church in Laodicea.

There is historical evidence that in the Laodicea area there was naturally occurring water that was used as an emetic – something to induce vomiting. So when Jesus talks about how he is about to spit them out of his mouth, it is possible that he is referring to the local knowledge, and in essence saying “you make me want to vomit.” These are, of course, strong words. The issue at the church in Laodicea was pride, and the most difficult sort of pride of all to heal, namely spiritual pride. “You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’” This was the attitude of their heart. They were prosperous, and prosperity had induced pride. The answer was for them to look to Christ for help and healing: “I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see.”

They needed to listen to Christ’s rebuke. And if they did,

“Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.”

The solution to pride is repentance, and the promise for those who repent is sweet. Christ himself will come and dwell with them and be their God. Would that we then repent and turn to Christ and be healed, and find him come into our lives with renewed power in the presence of his person.