Through the Apostle John, Christ sent seven letters to seven churches in Asia Minor. Laodicea was the last letter, and it is recorded in Revelation, chapter 3, verses 14-22.

Jesus introduces himself as God's "amen, faithful and true witness, and ruler of God's creation."

He is God's certified, reliable, and trustworthy witness who is qualified to tell this church what they needed to know.

Laodicea was a wealthy, affluent city, full of industry and trade. They had a garment manufacturing industry, noted for its glossy, black wool. It was also known for its medical school which treated eye problems with a special eye salve called Phrygian ointment or powder.

Jesus had nothing good to say about the church of Laodicea. Rather, He told them they were neither hot nor cold spiritually, but miserably lukewarm, much like their nauseating water in the city. Because of this, Jesus said he was about to "spit them out of his mouth." This church made Christ sick.

The reason was because they were trusting in their wealth and themselves. They said they were wealthy and needed nothing. Jesus said they were wretched, poor, miserable, blind and naked, spiritually speaking. Odd, isn't it, how we can think we are doing just fine, and Christ says we are miserable, nauseating, and pathetic?

Christ counseled this church to buy from him gold tried in the fire if they wanted to be rich, and white clothes to cover their spiritual nakedness. He told them to come to him if they really wanted their eyes to be opened. This must have been a real insult to the church of Laodicea. In the town of eye salves, wools, and wealth, Jesus offered the church of Laodicea the very things they thought they already possessed, yet were totally missing.

Jesus was giving them this message and having to rebuke and discipline them out of love. Without realizing it, the church had locked Christ outside and he was standing at the door knocking, wanting back into the very church that was supposed to be all about him in the first place. He was looking for anyone to hear his voice, and open the door, so he could come in and fellowship with them again.

While the church of Laodicea was one of the worst of the seven churches, yet Christ made them one of the greatest promises if they would repent and turn back to him with their whole heart - that they would sit with him on his throne.

To all seven churches, Jesus ended his letter by saying: "He who has an ear let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches."

We too, are living in a day of lukewarm Christianity. It is possible for Christ to be left out and locked out of the very churches who exist for his honor and glory. This letter was a wake-up call for this church.

Do you need to wake up? Are you a lukewarm Christian? Do you make Christ sick? Are you a part of a lukewarm Church? Jesus calls us to repentance and to passionate love and service for him and his kingdom.