Dedication
This message is dedicated to Pastor George Spence, a significant mentor of mine, who passed away this week.
Prelude
I wonder if we ever leave Jesus out, either because we forget him, or because we find him inconvenient and prefer our own way? This could be subconscious or deliberate. I wonder if Jesus' presence is always evident in our church?
Introduction
Clearly God is unimpressed with this church in Laodicea. This is probably the severest assessment of the seven churches specifically addressed in Revelation chapters 2 & 3. Look at verse 16. This "lukewarmness" was informed by the tepid sickly lime-ridden water springs of the day - NOT a happy picture - not something you would want to drink … or be compared with! To be referred to as “lukewarm” implies: indifference, complacency and being ineffective. To be neither “cold nor hot” implies: ‘sitting on the fence’ and being indecisive. Churches like this do NOT advance the Kingdom of God!
Clearly God is unimpressed with this church in Laodicea. This is probably the severest assessment of the seven churches specifically addressed in Revelation chapters 2 & 3. Look at verse 16. This "lukewarmness" was informed by the tepid sickly lime-ridden water springs of the day - NOT a happy picture - not something you would want to drink … or be compared with! To be referred to as “lukewarm” implies: indifference, complacency and being ineffective. To be neither “cold nor hot” implies: ‘sitting on the fence’ and being indecisive. Churches like this do NOT advance the Kingdom of God!
Such was the Divine
assessment of the church of Laodicea. This is Jesus Himself speaking – and He
had the right to speak like this – He died for the Church. Jesus is referred to
as the “Amen” – the One who puts an exclamation mark on God’s great work in the
world. Jesus is called the “Amen” as He perfectly and obediently fulfils God’s
promises to all humanity. Paul (in 2 Corinthians 1:20) puts it this way, “For
in [Jesus] every one of God’s promises is a ‘Yes’”. [And, as we shall see in
verse 21, as Jesus emulates or says ‘Yes’ to God … we, in the church, are to be
a little ‘Amen!’ to the life of Jesus (A F Johnson).]
So, if any church was to
receive such an assessment from Jesus as this church in Laodicea did, you would
surely want to do something about it! The prospect of being spat (or, vomited)
out of Jesus' mouth … is NOT something we would ever want to experience! One
spits out “lukewarm” water, because it is not hot enough to warm your insides
on a cold day, nor cold enough to refresh anyone when overheated. It’s
useless!!
I want to say, that this is
NOT us; I don’t think it’s us – but if there is any element where this thinking
could be directed at us, then we need to pay attention. We are being challenged
here … to take nothing for granted. To profess Christianity while missing any
of its major themes does NOT have credibility. And in this day, we, the church,
certainly need to build credibility and trustworthiness in the eyes of the
general public. And so we must be (and remain) attentive to our mission and
purpose, and to what the Spirit is saying to the church (v 13, 22).
The Key Problem Area
We'll come back to some of the specifics in this challenging text; but what was the root of the problem here??? We see it clearly portrayed in verse 20. Jesus was on the outside!! If Jesus was on the outside knocking on the door of the church in Laodicea … wanting to be allowed in – this indicates that Jesus had been left out – just like what might happen to a naughty dog ... put outside!
The Key Problem Area
We'll come back to some of the specifics in this challenging text; but what was the root of the problem here??? We see it clearly portrayed in verse 20. Jesus was on the outside!! If Jesus was on the outside knocking on the door of the church in Laodicea … wanting to be allowed in – this indicates that Jesus had been left out – just like what might happen to a naughty dog ... put outside!
Clearly, it is
possible, for a church (by name) still to exist in outward form, while it has
excluded Jesus from its life. And, for various reasons, it could still feel
satisfied with itself. There could be plenty of people and programs, and the
appearance of (kingdom) life. But without Jesus, this would be more like a
comfortable private club, which would inevitably resist intrusion. This is what
is addressed in verse 17 – which brings further negative assessment. {I’ll come
back to this verse.}
For now, G Campbell Morgan
comments, “Can anything be so ghastly – a church organised and busy, but
Christless”?! If Jesus is left outside, then this would explain any
deficiencies in any church community! We need to be sure to welcome Jesus into
the life of the church, for, after all, He is the founder, and He did give His
life for the church, and … it is all about Him!
The Centrality of Jesus
Why is Jesus important - no, vital - to the church??
1. Salvation – Jesus is the centre of God's gift of grace. Jesus affords us mercy, forgiveness and new life. Without this, we are completely stuck and going nowhere. Totally opposed to that sickly tepid toxic water, Jesus brings living water - pure water – just like Jesus said to the woman in Samaria … if we drink this living water, we will never be thirsty again (John 4). Jesus sets us on the path of freedom and discipleship through which we enter eternal life.
2. Purpose – Jesus' earthly life and teaching guides us into knowing what to do. Without Jesus, we lack our example – our model for life. As we reflect on Jesus' life and teaching, we discover that loving our neighbour and reaching out to all those who are struggling – leading to making new disciples for Jesus ... this is our collective purpose! When we are fully confronted by Jesus, we soon come to the conclusion that it's NOT simply about us. The well-being of the world depends on us being prepared to respond to God in the correct way. Our spiritual status does NOT ever allow us to be removed from human need or human responsibility. And if we want to truly express compassion, we need to welcome Jesus into our midst.
3. Worldview – Jesus makes sense of the whole progress of life. Jesus was there at creation (as part of the love-filled dynamic that brought all creation into being), came to earth himself to deal with all depravity and lostness, died on a cross to defeat sin, rose again to open a passage to new life, gave the gift of the Holy Spirit so that the church would NOT lack for anything, intercedes for us as we deal with the challenges of life, and sits on the throne of heaven waiting for us to wholly be his people. For me, this totally makes sense of our existence.
4. Headship – Jesus is the only one fit to be our leader. As Paul teaches us, we might be all vital participants in a very varied body, where diversity meets together with harmonious functioning, but none of us will ever be qualified enough to be the 'head' ... except Jesus! So without Jesus, we could be described like a ‘headless chook’ (running around pointlessly).
The Centrality of Jesus
Why is Jesus important - no, vital - to the church??
1. Salvation – Jesus is the centre of God's gift of grace. Jesus affords us mercy, forgiveness and new life. Without this, we are completely stuck and going nowhere. Totally opposed to that sickly tepid toxic water, Jesus brings living water - pure water – just like Jesus said to the woman in Samaria … if we drink this living water, we will never be thirsty again (John 4). Jesus sets us on the path of freedom and discipleship through which we enter eternal life.
2. Purpose – Jesus' earthly life and teaching guides us into knowing what to do. Without Jesus, we lack our example – our model for life. As we reflect on Jesus' life and teaching, we discover that loving our neighbour and reaching out to all those who are struggling – leading to making new disciples for Jesus ... this is our collective purpose! When we are fully confronted by Jesus, we soon come to the conclusion that it's NOT simply about us. The well-being of the world depends on us being prepared to respond to God in the correct way. Our spiritual status does NOT ever allow us to be removed from human need or human responsibility. And if we want to truly express compassion, we need to welcome Jesus into our midst.
3. Worldview – Jesus makes sense of the whole progress of life. Jesus was there at creation (as part of the love-filled dynamic that brought all creation into being), came to earth himself to deal with all depravity and lostness, died on a cross to defeat sin, rose again to open a passage to new life, gave the gift of the Holy Spirit so that the church would NOT lack for anything, intercedes for us as we deal with the challenges of life, and sits on the throne of heaven waiting for us to wholly be his people. For me, this totally makes sense of our existence.
4. Headship – Jesus is the only one fit to be our leader. As Paul teaches us, we might be all vital participants in a very varied body, where diversity meets together with harmonious functioning, but none of us will ever be qualified enough to be the 'head' ... except Jesus! So without Jesus, we could be described like a ‘headless chook’ (running around pointlessly).
In summary, Colossians
1:15-20 reads …
He is the
image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation; for in him all
things in heaven and on earth were created, things visible and invisible,
whether thrones or dominions or rulers or powers—all things have been created
through him and for him. He himself is before all things, and in him all things
hold together. He is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning, the
firstborn from the dead, so that he might come to have first place in
everything. For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and
through him God was pleased to reconcile to himself all things, whether on
earth or in heaven, by making peace through the blood of his cross.
The Good News
The good news is - the very good news - that Jesus still knocks on the door of the church seeking entry. Jesus never gives up. He warns, he weeps – but Jesus never walks away! This reminds me of the story I read this week of a guy in Frankfurt Germany in 1997 who forgot where he left his car in a parking lot near an industrial building – he just couldn’t find it. Having first reported the car missing to the police, he then counted it as lost. 20 years later, when the industrial site was being demolished, the car was found exactly where he must have left it!
Jesus continues to knock at
the unopened door (where sometimes he has been left)! The only reason anyone
would care enough to keep knocking at the door, and seek to set a church like
the one at Laodicea straight, was because they were so greatly loved (v 19a).
Jesus never gives up on the possibility of taking up the central place (or, the
"throne") in the church. Jesus stands waiting, offering each church
the hospitality of his love.
However, Jesus is a gracious
guest, who waits for a sincere invitation. There is NO point crashing in where
uninvited or unwanted, because eventually the visitor's presence will wear
thin. Yet where there is real humility and true integrity in the church, Jesus
will take up residence to stay.
What Does the Spirit Say?
Even though these words refer initially to 1st Century churches located in particular places, they also transcend that time, and speak to all churches in every generation. So, what does the Spirit say to the churches?? Open the door, and let Jesus in. Verse 20a.
Even though these words refer initially to 1st Century churches located in particular places, they also transcend that time, and speak to all churches in every generation. So, what does the Spirit say to the churches?? Open the door, and let Jesus in. Verse 20a.
How do we welcome Jesus?? The
first answer to this goes back to verse 19b – being “earnest” and repenting.
These two go well together – because it is the enthusiastic and committed
person, who is sincere and loyal, that is willing to change whatever stands in
the way of going forward. It is in response to God’s unconditional love of us, that
we align ourselves with His will.
Then, secondly, we are
prepared to "eat" with him (v.20b). And, this is NOT fast food! This
is a leisurely meal … with many courses of the best food imaginable. This is
about being unhurried; and being most concerned, above all other endeavours,
about spending quality time with Jesus. This is about the restoration and development of
relationship. This is also about the depth of our worship. Sometimes we just want
worship gatherings to be over, so that we can get on to the next thing. This
would be unfortunate – if Jesus still had some things to say, and more time to
spend with us.
The ultimate symbol of eating
with Jesus is the Lord’s Supper which we celebrate each week. This provides the
opportunity for such a close identification with Jesus – all that he has done
for us, and all that he wants to achieve in the world … identifying with his
sacrifice, and involving ourselves with God’s new covenant of grace. While
'reclining' with Jesus, he will show us how to bring together all our diversity
... into a church full of harmonious interaction and mission to the community …
under His leadership.
The Church of Laodicea
This all sounds so good – almost too good to be true; yet it CAN BE! But, we can so easily be distracted (and compromised). Laodicea was a prime example of this - distracted by its own success. Laodicea was an affluent place. It lay on the intersection of existing trade routes. It had good industries - famous for clothing, banking, and the latest in medical treatments (especially a particularly good eye ointment). Perhaps it was just too easy and comfortable there. If material prosperity is necessarily seen as God’s blessing, then this can lead to self-deception about a church’s true spiritual condition.
The Church of Laodicea
This all sounds so good – almost too good to be true; yet it CAN BE! But, we can so easily be distracted (and compromised). Laodicea was a prime example of this - distracted by its own success. Laodicea was an affluent place. It lay on the intersection of existing trade routes. It had good industries - famous for clothing, banking, and the latest in medical treatments (especially a particularly good eye ointment). Perhaps it was just too easy and comfortable there. If material prosperity is necessarily seen as God’s blessing, then this can lead to self-deception about a church’s true spiritual condition.
It seems the church in
Laodicea had completely bought into the city’s material success and lost their
spiritual compass. The people acted in ways that suggested they were reliant on
their material wealth, rather than their spiritual wealth. The
church in Laodicea had failed to see that Jesus would be the source of their
real wealth. Oh the actual poverty of the church from which Jesus is excluded.
We might call this ‘spiritual paralysis’! Better material poverty, and
spiritual wealth!
Look at verse 17. To have ever said that they lacked nothing would have been the height of self-delusion, pride and arrogance. If that material wealth was stripped away ... there would be nothing left. Interesting that the centre of banking, medicine, and clothing manufacture ... would be exposed in their spiritual poverty, blindness and nakedness, i.e. NO spiritual assets, NO spiritual vision, NO spiritual clothing. What God wanted was less attention on the things of the world, and more attention on the things of the Spirit.
We, like the church in Laodicea, can lose our spiritual freedom by losing our focus on Jesus. Who are we primarily committed to? The only cure for this "lukewarmness" ... is the re-admission of the excluded Jesus (Campbell Morgan, Walvoord, Wilcock). Look at verse 18. The spiritual goods we need in the face of spiritual poverty, nakedness and blindness, is the gold refined by fire (representing a life of sacrificial service), white robes (representing a cleansed life), and eye salve (representing new sight) … all things that God gives to allow us to follow Jesus.
Conclusion
We, together, as a church community, need to be led into a living encounter with Jesus. We need to experience Jesus' mercy; we need to encounter the nature and quality of Jesus' life; we need to experience Jesus as Creator, Saviour and Sustainer ... the Alpha & Omega (the beginning and the end); and we need to ensure that Jesus is the head of the 'body'. In short, we need to welcome Jesus! And then, then, we can conquer in life!
We can then follow Jesus into
His pattern of sacrificial service toward humankind. Then, we have the
potential of being so aligned with Jesus, and involved in such a rich and
harmonious partnership, that we are seen as co-reigning with Jesus on his
throne (refer verse 21). What a mighty verse (of encouragement) this is!
Our Prayer
This is our challenge … this is our prayer! Are we welcoming Jesus? We better know! We welcome you, Lord Jesus. Jesus, be our cornerstone. Jesus, be the centre - be our light, be our guide, be our path, be our hope, be our song; Jesus, be the fire in our hearts, be the wind in our sails, be the reason that we live; Jesus - be our salvation, be our purpose, be our worldview, be our leader. We welcome you, Jesus. Amen!
Our Prayer
This is our challenge … this is our prayer! Are we welcoming Jesus? We better know! We welcome you, Lord Jesus. Jesus, be our cornerstone. Jesus, be the centre - be our light, be our guide, be our path, be our hope, be our song; Jesus, be the fire in our hearts, be the wind in our sails, be the reason that we live; Jesus - be our salvation, be our purpose, be our worldview, be our leader. We welcome you, Jesus. Amen!
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