Key verses: I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot; I wish that you were cold or hot. So because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of My mouth (v.15-16)
Reflection: This passage comes from part of God's message to the Seven Churches of Asia (the Roman province of Asia, in the area now known as the country of Turkey). These were the Seven major churches of early Christianity and God had a specific message for each church. In each instance, He offers a challenge to the church, then makes a promise to the church (kinda makes you wonder what God might have to say to NCMC). Verses 14-22 come from the Message to the Church in Laodicea.
I know v.20 is the popular verse but v.15-16 were the ones that really called out to me. How often do you hear God say the words, "I wish" (v.15)? The lukewarm thing feels like it's been constantly reiterated in sermons all year long. Even yesterday, PT was preaching about how we shouldn't be coasting along in our faith or looking around for others to step up, but rather, we should be the ones raising our hand and saying 'Here I am' (raising your hand is very un-lukewarmish behaviour). When I hear about my brothers and sisters in Christ completely dedicating their lives to their faith at such a young age, like the Chinese and Laotian Christians PT talked about, to the point of putting their own well-being and their family's well-being at risk, I'm forced to take a good look at myself and re-evaluate what (or who) is truly at the center of my life, and what it is I'm really worshiping. Like Jeff JDSN pointed out last week, 'blessed are the poor.' Maybe that's why we're taking in so many missionaries now, because our faith has weakened with all the nice luxuries we have in the US. Living in such a consumer-driven society, it's easy to get wrapped up in nice things, to begin feeling comfortable (lukewarm), and to lose sight of our true priorities in life as Christians.
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