Shofar Day 13 Dear Believers In Laodicea
Revelation 3:14-20
John 1:1-18
Revelation 22
Isaiah 48:12-15
Romans 1:16-32
In the last of the letters to the seven churches, we encounter the Laodicean believers. Knowing some details about Laodicea will help us better understand why the text indicates there was no good thing about this church.
Laodicea was located on the major trade routes, connecting it to some of the other churches, such as Ephesus, Smyrna and Sardis. Laodicea thrived on banking and textiles. In fact, “the city was adorned by an impressive amphitheater and other notable monuments.” (Got Questions) They were rich and they relished it. Hold these facts as we dive into the letter.
In verse 14, Jesus gives us three titles for himself, “the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the originator of God’s creation.” Let’s unpack these. The Hebrew word for amen comes from the root Aman which means to support, confirm, or be faithful. It also means “so be it” or “it is done”. Jesus, our Savior, is the last word. No government, amount of wealth or self-sufficiency can do what Jesus did. The saving of souls could, and was, only completed by the work of Jesus on the cross. Hence His last words as He gave up His soul to the Father, “It is finished”. (John 19:30) In other words, so be it and it is done. Amen.
Jesus is also the faithful and true witness. He tells us He is THE faithful one first (The Amen) and then adds that He is also the true witness. But witness to what? God the Father. And not just God, but also creation.
He says He is “the originator of God’s creation”. Genesis 1:26 informs, “Then God said, ‘Let us make man in our image, according to our likeness’.” John 1:1-18 confirms who “us” is referencing. Verses 1-2 tell us The Word was with God in the beginning and the Word was God. Verse 3 says, “All things were created through him, and apart from him not one thing was created that has been created.”
Who is “The Word”?
Verse 14 reveals “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us. We observed his glory, the glory as the one and only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. Finally, verses 17-18 wrap it up and puts a bow on all three titles Jesus gave Himself,
“…grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God. The one and only Son, who is Himself God and is at the Father’s side—He has revealed Him.”
The Faithful and true witness to truth and God the Father. The Word who created everything alongside God the Father but who is also God too (see this Journey Study on the Trinity). The final word on salvation and eternity. As stated in Isaiah 48:12, “ I am He; I am the first, I am also the last.”
The church in Laodicea did no such thing. There was no encouragement in Jesus’ letter because there was no behavior that warranted it. Instead, they had lukewarm faith. Just like their water supply which delivered lukewarm water, Jesus said they were like lukewarm water he wanted to vomit out. (Revelation 3:16) What a strong rebuke!
Slowly, the Laodicean believers began relying on their riches and status instead of faith in Jesus. They looked good on the outside with money and prestige, but inside was darkness. For myself, this really speaks to making sure what I show externally is an outpouring of where I am spiritually inside. Outward prosperity should not mask spiritual bankruptcy.
What is this Shofar Call?
Find true wealth in Jesus.
- Stand on your faith in Jesus for daily living, not human empires. A personal trust relationship begins with repenting of sin and believing Jesus is the only way to heaven through His death on the cross and resurrection from the dead. This is the gospel. We must start and stay here. No institution can forgive your sins! “…we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all time.” (Hebrews 10:10)
- Find your riches (gold) from Jesus, not your banking industry. Follow the advice in Matthew 6:25-34, which tells us to seek God first and He will provide what we need.
- Wear clothing (of righteousness) from Him, not your textile industry. Ephesians 4:17-24 instructs, “…put on the new self, the one created according to God’s likeness in righteousness and purity of the truth.” Romans 1:16-32 warns against idolatry and ingratitude. “For though they knew God, they did not glorify him as God or show gratitude.” (verse 21) If this has been you, wake up and repent!
- Finally, find true sight from Him, not your ophthalmologists known for their eye ointment. Heed Psalm 119:18, “Open my eyes so that I may contemplate wondrous things from your instruction.”
The Laodicean letter should be a clarion call to us! Just as they were led astray by the trappings of the world, we are equally, if not more, susceptible. We must trust Jesus as our Savior, walk worthy of our calling in Him (Ephesians 4:1), and He alone must be our Satisfier. Then, we must share Him with others, so they can spend eternity with Him in the new heaven and the new earth too! (Revelation 22)
“Let anyone who has ears to hear listen to what the Spirit says to the churches!”
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