L Is for Laodicea - Sermon for the 10th Sunday after Pentecost - The Good Book

L Is for Laodicea

Pentecost 10 – Summer Series: The Good Book

July 28, 2024

Our Savior’s, Faribault, MN

Revelation 3.14-22

This past week as I prepared today’s message, I’ve engaged in a bit of fantasy. I’ve wondered what it would be like to be the interim pastor at the church in Laodicea. The Apostle John, perhaps in this case, Bishop John, from his exile on the island of Patmos, has told me my work is cut out for me. At first blush, the church has everything going for it. It is located in a thriving context as Laodicea is a strategic city at the junction of three important trade routes in Asia Minor, our modern-day Turkey. Laodicea is well-known for producing wool and has a medical center that is known for its eye ointment. The church can even boast being founded by Epaphras, a co-worker of the renowned Apostle Paul. As an affluent church, it can afford to pay well beyond the Minimum Compensation Guidelines of the synod. It looks like a plum assignment that would help me ease into retirement.

However, Bishop John warns me, there are serious issues, all rooted in complacency. I have in my hand a letter from John, supposedly dictated by Jesus. I’ve learned that it is one of seven sent to Laodicea and six of its neighbors: Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, and Philadelphia. And, from what I’ve heard, it’s the only letter that has absolutely nothing complimentary to say. It uses imagery that makes it clear Jesus knows this church: Laodicea’s own water is so putrid it needs aqueducts to transport water from neighboring Hierapolis, known for its hot springs, and Colossae, for cool waters. Unfortunately, because of the long distance, the water arrives lukewarm and is thus gag worthy.

What’s an interim pastor to do? How will I be received? Will they be able to listen to anything I have to say? Today is the last in a sermon series called“The Good Book: Meeting our Ancestors in Faith One Story at Time.” It’s unique because today’s “ancestor” is a group, not an individual. Furthermore, there doesn’t seem to be any good attributes to commend them. They have lost whatever “hot” zeal they had for sharing the gospel, and have focused on private piety rather than being a voice for change. Thus, Jesus would rather have them to be pagan “cold” than the lukewarm community they are. So, is the lesson to be learned today, “Don’t be like the Laodiceans?” 

Perhaps, but there’s more than that because with God there is always more, and it is always “better” more. The core message to Laodicea is that Jesus loves them deeply and doesn’t give up on them. Jesus stands at their door, knocking persistently, inviting them to turn back toward him and being the kind of community God wants them to be. Even amid the stark imagery, Bishop John reminds the church that God has not called the gifted but rather gifted the called. The Laodiceans have been gifted to be God’s hands at work in the world. To those who much has been given, much is expected. The Laodiceans have a responsibility to use their gifts for the sake of the world.

In a little while we’ll gather in Fellowship Hall to look back on your short 55-year history. We’ll endeavor to be honest about what has happened here, the good, the bad, and even the ugly. Through it all we’ll try to discern where God has been present in, with, and through you in this place. And we’ll use this looking back as a springboard to see what the future might look like as you prepare to call your next lead pastor. As we do so, we’ll remember that God loves you very much and wants you to “taste good.” Amen.

My sermons don't always preach as they are written. For video of the sermon with the entire service, click here.