If I am going to drink a hot beverage, I do not want lukewarm. If I am going to drink a cold beverage, I do not want lukewarm. Frankly, lukewarm liquids, food, and baths are somethings I do not enjoy. Interestingly, God does not care for lukewarm either.
In our passage today, Jesus addresses the church of lukewarm faith—Laodicea. Jesus describes himself as the faithful and true witness; this is in contrast with the people of the Laodicean church who are neither faithful or true. Their perception of themselves is very different from the perception God has of them. Pride is the issue. They cannot see properly and the reason is their arrogance, as well as indifference to know the Truth. Rather than being all in—hot—they choose the middle of the road—compromise—and find themselves being described by the Lord as lukewarm. They think they have enough of Jesus until the Lord serves up a heaping helping of their lukewarm faith and tepid witness and basically says, “Yuck! You are offering up an empty religion!”
The Church will need the discipline of the Lord, but the reason is not judgment it is love. God wants to stir the passion and faith back into his people. He will do it for them by refining them in the power of the Spirit—to set human hearts on fire as his witnesses. Otherwise, the church is spiritually bankrupt.
Jesus is knocking on the door of our hearts and we must invite him to come in and prepare us for our journey as witnesses of the Faithful and True One. Passion for God must consume us, because this is the fiery faith and power God calls us to share.
Revelation 3:14-22 NLT The Message to the Church in Laodicea
14 “Write this letter to the angel of the church in Laodicea. This is the message from the one who is the Amen—the faithful and true witness, the beginning of God’s new creation:
15 “I know all the things you do, that you are neither hot nor cold. I wish that you were one or the other! 16 But since you are like lukewarm water, neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth! 17 You say, ‘I am rich. I have everything I want. I don’t need a thing!’ And you don’t realize that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked. 18 So I advise you to buy gold from me—gold that has been purified by fire. Then you will be rich. Also buy white garments from me so you will not be shamed by your nakedness, and ointment for your eyes so you will be able to see. 19 I correct and discipline everyone I love. So be diligent and turn from your indifference.
20 “Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends. 21 Those who are victorious will sit with me on my throne, just as I was victorious and sat with my Father on his throne.
22 “Anyone with ears to hear must listen to the Spirit and understand what he is saying to the churches.”
Prayer: Lord, you are the faithful and true witness and we desire to emulate your genuine and energized faith as we witness about you to others. Forgive us for the times we have not brought that passion or reflected our gratitude for your beautiful salvation. Continue to open our eyes and discipline us in your love. Set us on fire, Lord. In Jesus’ name. Amen.