Revelations 3:15-16 - Lit!

 

Revelations 3:15-16

 

NKJV

“I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth. 

 

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! 

 

Laodicea has the unfortunate distinction of being the only church which receives no positive commentary, whatsoever. Sardis barely earned a hollow reference to a good reputation. Laodicea is charged with being spiritually inert: lukewarm, rather than either hot or cold. This evokes the disgusting sensation of room-temperature water in one's mouth. Jesus heavily criticized this church for being arrogant and apathetic. Rather than being spiritually passionate, they are passive. Instead of being cold, meaning they are more likely to respond to the gospel, they are just familiar enough with God to brush Him off. Jesus still offers a chance for repentance—but He describes Himself as "outside", knocking at the door and expecting them to answer. (Bibleref.net)

 

This morning it was 21 degrees, with a wind chill that put it at 5, at my house. I’ve been in colder places, but it’s been a while. I forget what the cold feels like…it’s been a while since I’ve been in this kind of cold. It got me to thinking about my relationship with the Lord. Man, I always want to be white hot for the Lord, but I’ve been guilty of letting the world wear me down sometimes. And it’s during those times I’ve been a little lukewarm. And to be honest, a “little” lukewarm is a bit like “just a little pregnant”. You are or you aren’t!

 

Spurgeon said, “If you really are God’s people, then serve him with all your might; but if Baal be your god, then serve him. If the flesh be worth pleasing, then serve the flesh; but if God be Lord paramount, then cleave to him.” 

 

There is no middle ground; no fence sitting.  The devil owns the fence, let’s always remember that. Because if we’re sitting on the fence, then we’re lukewarm. And if we’re lukewarm…Jesus said He would vomit us out of his mouth.

 

If you’ve ever vomited (I know, gross subject), then you know once you’ve started…it’s all got to come out. There’s no shutting it off or slowing down. When Jesus vomits us from His mouth, we are out! Completely out!

 

Let’s not be cold or lukewarm, because those get us into the same place. Let’s be hot; on fire; or as I heard a young lady say this weekend, “Keep the fire lit!”

 

Lit,

Pastor Cory