Revelation 3:14-22
And to the angel of the church in Laodicea write: The words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the origin of God’s creation: ‘I know your works; you are neither cold nor hot. I wish that you were either cold or hot. So, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I am about to spit you out of my mouth. For you say, “I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing.” You do not realize that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked. Therefore I counsel you to buy from me gold refined by fire so that you may be rich; and white robes to clothe you and to keep the shame of your nakedness from being seen; and salve to anoint your eyes so that you may see. I reprove and discipline those whom I love. Be earnest, therefore, and repent. Listen! I am standing at the door, knocking; if you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in to you and eat with you, and you with me. To the one who conquers I will give a place with me on my throne, just as I myself conquered and sat down with my Father on his throne. Let anyone who has an ear listen to what the Spirit is saying to the churches.’
Reflection
The angel was sent to John to speak to a wealthy church that was now boasting of its wealth and riches. What was the word to the church? “I know your works; you are neither cold nor hot. I wish that you were either cold or hot. So, because you are lukewarm and neither cold nor hot, I am about to spit you out of my mouth.” That was a frightening message to the church that boasted of its material success. What does a lukewarm church look like? 1. These are the people who come to worship out of duty and not love. 2. These are the people who choose what is popular over what is right. They desire to fit both into the church and the secular world. 3. These are the people who don’t want to be served for their sins but want to remain the same. 4. These are the people who rarely share their faith with neighbors or in public.5. These are the people who walk by sight and not by faith. Jesus is warning such people that he will spit them from his mouth. As we go into the weekend let us contemplate whether we are hot, cold, or lukewarm.
Let Us Pray
Almighty and eternal God,
you have kindled the flame of love
in the hearts of the saints:
grant to us the same faith and power of love,
that, as we rejoice in their triumphs,
we may be sustained by their example and fellowship;
through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,
who is alive and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever. Amen.
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