There’s a little stained-glass window sitting on my sill with the words “Live everyday as though Jesus died yesterday, rose today and is coming back tomorrow.” I thought of it when Pastor Josh said, “If Jesus came to your house, what would you try to hide?” He has that way of making his flock stop and take inventory of their spiritual condition. This week it was about the church at Laodicea and being lukewarm.
Laodicea was located between two cities, Hierapolis and Colossae. The first was known for their hot springs and the second for their cold water from the snow-capped mountains. These two had their own water source but Laodicea didn’t. They had to have their water piped in and by the time it got to them, it was nasty tasting and lukewarm. That was an interesting side note since the first thing that Jesus has to say to them was that they were neither cold nor hot, but lukewarm. The spiritual condition of the church there was much like the water they drank.
How does anything become lukewarm? Easy. A hot drink or a cold beverage just has to sit on the counter, and it is soon lukewarm. Action? Do nothing. Jesus points this out in Revelation 3:16. A wealthy church, has much going for it, has turned into a meeting house for buddies and friends to get together. Slap each other on the back, sing a few songs, and tithe when the plate is passed around. Talk about their week and the one to come. It’s no wonder Jesus has had his fill of them.
The Bible says “I will spue thee out of my mouth.” (Revelation 3:16) A better word for ‘spue’ would be vomit. He’s had it up to here with them. This is a real comeuppance. However, Jesus is doing what is necessary to get this group of believers back on track. They still have time to repent and move on. In verse 20 of the same chapter he says, “Behold, I stand at the door, and knock…” He’s no longer inside but outside the church. Another wake up call. It’s a strongly worded letter. Those who take heed and overcome will sit with Jesus in his throne (verse 21).
Laodicea was located between two cities, Hierapolis and Colossae. The first was known for their hot springs and the second for their cold water from the snow-capped mountains. These two had their own water source but Laodicea didn’t. They had to have their water piped in and by the time it got to them, it was nasty tasting and lukewarm. That was an interesting side note since the first thing that Jesus has to say to them was that they were neither cold nor hot, but lukewarm. The spiritual condition of the church there was much like the water they drank.
How does anything become lukewarm? Easy. A hot drink or a cold beverage just has to sit on the counter, and it is soon lukewarm. Action? Do nothing. Jesus points this out in Revelation 3:16. A wealthy church, has much going for it, has turned into a meeting house for buddies and friends to get together. Slap each other on the back, sing a few songs, and tithe when the plate is passed around. Talk about their week and the one to come. It’s no wonder Jesus has had his fill of them.
The Bible says “I will spue thee out of my mouth.” (Revelation 3:16) A better word for ‘spue’ would be vomit. He’s had it up to here with them. This is a real comeuppance. However, Jesus is doing what is necessary to get this group of believers back on track. They still have time to repent and move on. In verse 20 of the same chapter he says, “Behold, I stand at the door, and knock…” He’s no longer inside but outside the church. Another wake up call. It’s a strongly worded letter. Those who take heed and overcome will sit with Jesus in his throne (verse 21).
