Revelation Chapter 3 V 14 The Church of Laodicea
Told to be Hot or cold, not tepid
The water supply to the Laodicea was lukewarm. This is in contrast to the hot springs at nearby Hierapolis and the pure and cold water of Colossae . The viaduct for Laodicea carried water from hot mineral springs would have become tepid before entering the city. The imagery gained from the Laodicean aqueduct suggests both hot and cold water are useful, whereas lukewarm water is tasteless and useless. This is the very imagery that Revelations uses for the Church of Laodicea.
The Laodicean church said,
‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’
But God said,
” you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. 18 I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see.
19 Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent.
20 Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me
It seems to me that four things are requested.
A diligence & honesty about coming to God
An honesty in a willingness to repent
A listening ear – what is God saying
A welcoming heart – Come Holy Spirit , enter into my life .
Thanks TC 8th Feb 2015