Saturday 6 September 2025

Psalm 38:9-22

Background
This is the final of the seven short letters at the start of Revelation. It is addressed to the church in Laodicea, on the river Lycus, and is dictated by Jesus, who is the ‘Amen’ – the faithful word of truth at the end – and the 'origin of all creation' in verse 14.

When Paul wrote his letter to the Colossians, he asked for it to be sent on to Laodicea too (Colossians 4:15-16). It was obviously a church close to Paul’s heart, even if he had not visited them personally. Written several years after Paul's letter, this letter does not paint a rosy picture, although it is not without the chance of redemption.

The Laodiceans are judged to be arrogant, self-sufficient and ‘lukewarm’ in their faith. But notice in verse 19 Jesus says he loves them. Because he is their true friend, he must be honest with them, warn and reprove them.

The letter picks up on many local features and attitudes, and contrasts them with the way of Christ. First, Laodicea was a very rich financial centre (hence the mention of gold and their state of being ‘poor’ in faith). When Jesus offers to sell them things (“buy from me”, verse 18), this is presumably because the language of commerce is one they would understand!

Laodicea was famous for its medical school, specialising in optical medicine and sold a famous eye ointment. This explains the references to being ‘blind’ (verse 17) and Jesus offering the ‘salve to anoint your eyes’ in verse 18. Another local feature was a luxurious black wool – hence the emphasis on wearing white robes instead.

But the main criticism is that, like the local water supply, the members of the church are neither hot nor cold (verses 15-16). With the river often running low, there were aqueducts installed from the nearby cities. One of these came from Hieropolis in the north, famous for its hot, bubbling springs. By the time the water reached Laodicea it was lukewarm, and drinking it would make them vomit (as in verse 16 – ‘spit you out’ is a polite translation).

We can picture the scene: the Laodiceans are a well-heeled congregation in a wealthy city. They don’t look for help, and have quietly stopped relying on God. Their faith is ‘nice’ but not vital to them. They take whatever luxuries and delicacies their city can offer them, but Jesus wants to offer them real gold, which can only be forged in the fires of suffering; white robes, which can only be washed by his righteousness and grace; and true vision, which only Jesus the light of the world can provide.

In his love and grace, Jesus will not give up on them. He will come and knock on the door, and if they are ready and waiting (like the servants awaiting the master’s return from the wedding feast, in Luke 12:35-37) then he will come in and eat with them. There at the table of grace, at the Lord’s Supper, even those who are lukewarm have the opportunity to return to Christ.

To Ponder:

• What are the dangers of lukewarm faith? Have you ever felt lukewarm in your own journey with God? Do you know others who are struggling to recapture their enthusiasm? How can you help them, or what could the Church do to reinvigorate them?
• What are the factors that lead to apathy, arrogance or self-sufficiency? What can be done to shake things up a bit? Have you fully opened the door to Jesus yet?

Bible notes author: The Revd Andrew Murphy
Andrew is a Methodist presbyter in the East Mercia Circuit, and currently the minister of the churches of Market Harborough, Kibworth and Rothwell, and part of the ministry team at St Giles, Desborough. He is married to Emily, with two children, aged nine and eleven. He has been in the ministry for 17 years, previously serving in the Hinckley Circuit. He trained at the Wesley Study Centre in Durham, is a published hymn writer, supports Newcastle United FC, and is proud of his roots in Consett, County Durham.