Revelation 3-10.24.22

Scripture

Revelation‬ ‭3‬:‭15‬-‭16‬ ‭NLT‬‬

“I know all the things you do, that you are neither hot nor cold. I wish that you were one or the other! But since you are like lukewarm water, neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth!”

Observation-What does it say?

In this particular passage of Revelation, Jesus tells John to write a letter to the church in Laodicea. In this letter, Jesus tells them that he knows their condition. Jesus basically calls them out for being a church that is just going through the motions. They were “playing church” instead of being The Church.

Understanding-What does it mean?

Either we are all in for Jesus, or we’re not !

“Anyone who isn’t with me opposes me, and anyone who isn’t working with me is actually working against me.”-Matt‬ ‭12‬:‭30‬ ‭‬‬

I love the picture that this passage paints for us regarding being The Church of Jesus. We are either “hot or cold”. You can’t just be “lukewarm”! When you think of water, when cold water comes to mind, you think of something refreshing. When you think of hot water, you think of something cleansing, or sanitizing. Each type of water has its uses for us. But when you think of lukewarm or room temperature water, you think of something stale, possibly bacteria filled, and basically suspect and worthless. That will make anyone not want to drink from it, let alone have any part of it.

Jesus says he prefers us to be either “hot or cold”. Meaning if we are “hot”, it means we are on fire and all about fulfilling Jesus’ mission of multiplying Christ Followers everywhere. And even if we are “cold”, with no faith, and no belief, at least there is room for growth, and room for God to change our hearts, transform our lives, and make us better. But, if we are a church that is “lukewarm”, it probably means we are a church that has just enough faith and knowledge of Jesus that we are non resistant, that we truly lack enough faith to be fully engaged. And that condition, believe it or not, is harder to change than to convert a fully, cold non-believer. That is why Jesus said, “I will spit you out of my mouth!” And that is a condition or place we never want to find ourselves in.

Life Application

Take a good look in the mirror, don’t try to fool ourselves, because Jesus knows our hearts.

Am I just going through the motions at church? Am I just playing church, or am I being The Church?

Father God, I pray that You give me the fire and desire to be all about fulfilling Your Mission. Forgive of the times when I just go through the motions of church. Help me Lord to be on fire for You. Help me to be a refreshing drink for someone out there today. May I remember to live my life with purpose…and that purpose is to bring glory and honor to You. In Jesus name I pray, Amen. 🙏🏽

-Moses Gaddi