Laodicea in Asia Minor was known for its wealth and its manufacture of a special eye salve, as well as of a glossy black wool cloth. It was also located near Hierapolis, where there were famous hot springs, and Colossae, known for its pure, cold water.

As with some of the previous churches, the Lord adapted His words to something significant about the city in which the assembly was located. To the Laodicean church in Revelation, the Lord presented Himself as “the Amen,” which is an Old Testament title for God. He is the truth and speaks the truth, because He is “the faithful and true witness” (Revelation 3:14). The Lord was about to tell this church the truth about its spiritual condition; unfortunately, they would not believe His diagnosis.

“Why is it that new Christians create problems in the church?” a young pastor once asked me.

“They don’t create problems,” I replied. “They reveal them. The problems have always been there, but we’ve gotten used to them. New Christians are like children in the home: they tell the truth about things!”

The Laodicean church was blind to its own needs and unwilling to face the truth. Yet honesty is the beginning of true blessing, as we admit what we are, confess our sins, and receive from God all that we need. If we want God’s best for our lives, churches, and nation, we must be honest with God and let God be honest with us.

Scripture to remember: “If My people, who are called by My name, will humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land” (2 Chronicles 7:14, NIV).

Additional Scripture: Psalms 32:5; 79:9; Titus 2:14; Hebrews 9:13-14; 1 John 1:8-9.

Action assignment: Before God, search your heart. Confess any sin in your life that the Holy Spirit shows you. Come to God as a representative of your nation and confess national sins.