Scripture to Read: Revelation 3:15-16
Yesterday we saw how our Lord Jesus Christ introduced Himself. After Christ’s introduction, He lets the church at Laodicea know that He knows their works and He rebuked them for being apathetic towards Him. The problem with the people in Laodicea was that they dishonored God by honoring false “gods.” Jesus calls them “lukewarm.” This is the strongest rebuke given by our Lord to the seven churches. To understand Jesus’ illustration, we need to know a few things. The city of Hieropolis was seven miles north of Laodicea and was known for its hot springs. Around 10 miles south of Laodicea, the city of Colosse was known for its cold waters, which were pure and drinkable. Laodicea tried to pipe in the hot springs from Hieropolis but the water was lukewarm when it traveled the seven-mile distance. The water was also dirty and impure once it reached Laodicea. Jesus used the water as an excellent illustration as to the condition of the church of Laodicea. Hot and cold water are both valuable. Hot water brings healing to the body and helps cleanse the body of impurities. Cold water refreshes the body that is weary and thirsty. As believers, we can be hot or cold to be used by our Lord. Christ, through us, brings cleansing to the impure soul and refreshment to the dry and weary soul but the church in Laodicea was neither. Jesus saw them as neither fit for healing or drinking. Jesus revealed their uselessness, just like their water was useless. May we indeed be hot or cold for our Lord.
Challenge & Application
1. What did God teach you today about hot water, cold water and lukewarm water?
2. How are you striving to live hot or cold for our Lord each day?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!