by: Russell McLaughlin

The Only Thing That Can Satisfy

           15 I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! 16 So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold, I am about to spit you out of my mouth. Revelation 3:15-16 

            Laodicea was a wealthy city in New Testament times, known as a banking center and home to millionaires. It boasted about temples, theaters, a stadium, gymnasiums, and baths, along with luxurious black wool garments and a medical school famous for its eye treatments. Neighboring Hierapolis had hot springs, while Laodicea received tepid water from an aqueduct, making them familiar with hot, cold, and lukewarm water.

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            The Laodiceans were also very self-sufficient. After the earthquake of A.D. 60, they refused help from Rome, proudly rebuilding on their own. This spirit of independence carried into their spiritual life. In Revelation 3:14–22, John addresses their church, showing that they were relying on themselves instead of Christ. Physically they were rich, well dressed, and advanced, but spiritually they were lukewarm—wretched, pitiful, poor, blind, and naked.

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            Yet Jesus offered them hope. He urged them to buy from Him what they truly lacked: gold refined by fire to make them spiritually rich, white garments to cover their shame, and eye salve so they could truly see. He reminded them that real sufficiency could only be found in Him. “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with Me” (Revelation 3:20).

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            The church of Laodicea needed to depend on Christ, and so do we. They could never be sufficient without Jesus, and neither can we.