These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God’s creation.  I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other!  So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth.  You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked.” NIV

Because you are lukewarm –

Laodicea, a prosperous city of banking and commerce, fine clothing made from wool of black sheep, and for it’s eye salve produced by its medical school.

Though prosperous, its major weakness is the lack of a convenient and adequate water source.  Its water supply is piped in from springs 6 miles away.

To the North of Laodicea is Hierapous, famous for its hot mineral springs.  South of Laodicea is Colossae.  Its pure, cold mineral waters are refreshing to drink.  In the middle is Laodicea.  By the time the water from the north and south arrive by aqueduct to Laodicea, it is lukewarm.  Hot and cold water are beneficial; lukewarm water was less-than refreshing.

Christ tells the church, “I know your deeds – you are neither hot or cold; I wish you were one or the other!”

The churches lack of devotion is distasteful to the Lord.  It is useless, bland and nauseating to Christ.

In spite of their wealth, their real condition is poverty; despite their abundance of fine wool, nakedness; though they have a medical school and many physicians, they are blind.

Their nauseating condition does not quench the love of Christ for them.  His judgments are the expression of his deep affection that leads to repentance.  A repentance, in Christ, tested and refined as gold for a regenerated spirit, purity of heart and resurrected glory and grace.  This invitation is not to the church as a whole, but a gracious individual offer of Christ.

After 50 years since his book was written –