Some of Scripture's most quoted yet misinterpreted verses are found in Revelation 3. As the writer speaks to the church of Laodicea he says because they were lukewarm - neither cold nor hot- God would spew them out of His mouth. This passage makes a lot more sense when you know where the city of Laodicea was located. Mere miles away is a city called Heropolis known for its hot springs. In a world without spas or bathtubs, people would journey a long way just to sit in the hot springs and enjoy their healing ability.
To the South of Laodicea was another city called Colossae. Since there were no freezers or fridges in that day, people would actually journey to this city just for the refreshing water. You all know what a cold cup of water can do on a hot day - it's huge!
Laodicea was reliant on other water sources being piped in, And guess what? When the water reached Laodicea it was just plain gross, lukewarm! This city was neither refreshing or healing, it was reliant on a second-hand, stagnant supply. How often does this compare to our status as believers? Stagnant and stale? God was saying to these people, "I know that you say you believe in me, but you are not good for anything. I just want to spew you out of my mouth like this gross water."
Later in that century, Laodicea experienced two earthquakes in which many people died. During the time of the early church, when natural disasters like this happened, the Christians had a way of showing such radical compassion that many would turn to Christ. But this was not so for the case of Laodicea - they didn't put their faith into action by serving others. So, God's real beef with the Laodiceans was that they had no interest in helping all these hurting people alls round them - they just kind of took up space....room temperature. Where other cities could contribute mercy and ministry, healing, and service, Laodicea was content to sit on its riches.
Though rich, clothed, and stocked with meds, John says they need gold tried by fire, white raiment to cover their nakedness, and salve that they might see. Provision will come through the proving of the fire. The nakedness of our flesh can only be covered by pure raiment of righteousness. Our sight can only be accurate when covered with the salve of Scripture.
Ultimately, as Revelation 3:20 clearly states, Jesus longs to "sup" with you. In context, this is not the light breakfast of bread dipped in wine, the picnic snack eaten while at work, this is the large meal where the family gathered to dine. Relationships are built around the table. He longs to sup with you, and for you to sup with him.
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