Refreshing or Healing

Revelation 3:14-16

To the angel of the church in Laodicea write:

These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God's creation. I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm--neither hot nor cold--I am about to spit you out of my mouth.



It's not very often that we hear a sermon about being lukewarm. But in some recent study I came across some very interesting facts about Laodicea and why Christ would describe these people in this way.



Laodicea did not have their own water supply. Instead they had aqueducts for bringing water into the city. Water came from Colosse's sparkling cold springs, less than 10 miles to the North of Laodicea. It was very refreshing water at the source. Water also came from Hierapolis's theraputic hot springs 7 miles to the South East. By the time the water arrived it was no longer cold or hot but lukewarm. It makes me think of the water bottle that I leave in the car on a sunny day. When I get back into the car and pick up my water it is disgustingly warm. Not hot or even room temperature but stale tasting.



Tell me why we would ever want to be called lukewarm? Why would we want to leave that taste in someone's mouth? Or that feeling?



At this moment I'm not sure if God desires for me to bring refreshment or healing. I need to be ready when he calls on me to be either one. What I do know is that I will not be lukewarm. Though I have been pitiful and blind because of my own 'wealth' I choose to become rich, buying the gold refined by God. (3:17-18)



Listen~

"Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest, and repent. Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me. To him who overcomes, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I overcame and sat down with my Father on his throne. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches." (3:19-22)