“So, because you are lukewarm,
and neither hot nor cold,
I will spit you out of my mouth.”(Revelation 3:16 ESV)
Too often when we read this verse, we think that lukewarm or cold are bad. We need to be “on fire for Jesus, right”? Well, yes, that’s true. But actually, when you understand the geographical location of Laodicea, both cold and hot must be good things according to Jesus. Just being lukewarm is a bad thing.
Let me explain. Laodicea didn’t have its own water supplies. It was dependent on aqueducts that brought in hot and cold water from a larger distance. Hot water came in from Hierapolis’ hot springs some 8 kilometers away. Cold water came in from Colossae. By the time the hot water reached Laodicea it was lukewarm and murky. And by the time the cold water reached Laodicea – you get it – it was also lukewarm and murky.
Here you have this wealthy town, this commercial center, and they couldn’t even get this this basic facility right!
So Jesus’ point is: be either hot or cold, because both hot and cold water are useful. But don’t be useless like the lukewarm, murky water of Laodicea that Jesus will just spit out.
Be hot or cold. Never be lukewarm for Jesus!
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