I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot….Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing… (Revelation 3:15-17).
Laodicea was a rich city. It was located on major trade routes and was a centre of currency exchange. Even when parts of the city were destroyed by an earthquake, they were able to reject financial assistance from the imperialists because they had enough money to rebuild.
However, because they were rich and had enough resources at their disposal, they became spiritually lukewarm. To be lukewarm means to be cold, expressionless, inactive, or passive. That’s like some people today who say, “Yes, I’m a Christian, but I’m not so into it. I keep my Christianity quiet and calm. I’m moderate.”
But Jesus said to the Laodiceans, “…thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth” (Revelation 3:15-16). In other words, He found them disgusting and was about to vomit them out. Sadly, the people didn’t know this. They didn’t know that each time they gathered together, the Master stayed outside and didn’t enter their church. That’s why He said, “Behold, I stand at the door, and knock…” (Revelation 3:20). He was supposed to be inside, but He was disgusted.
Jesus admonished the Laodiceans not to trust in their riches, but to be zealous. “As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent” (Revelation 3:19). To be zealous means to be afire or be hot with zeal. He doesn’t want you cold or lukewarm. In fact, He commands you to be zealous.
It’s better to be zealous than to be lukewarm. How zealous can you be for Jesus to say: “It’s enough?” It will only be enough when we get to heaven. Don’t let anyone deceive you and tell you you’re doing too much for God. Be your best and live your best for Him.
PRAYER / CONFESSION
Dear Father, I’m always passionate, vibrant and aglow in my spirit, fired up and ready to spread the Gospel to my world. I’m a burning and a shining light, illuminating my world with the message of eternal life, leading many out of the shackles of darkness into the glorious liberty of the sons of God. Thank you for your light that shines brightly in and through me, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
FURTHER STUDY
Romans 12:11; Titus 2:13-14; John 2:17
1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN
Matthew 13:44-58; Matthew 14:1-12; Genesis 46-48
2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN
Acts 10:34-43; Job 11-12
