So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth. (Rev. 3:16)
My focus did not waver as I examined the difficult algebraic equation. A student had asked for my help with tears in her eyes. I would not let her down.
The room, however, was hot and stifling. I noticed my iced coffee sitting off to the side. I grabbed the cup and took a huge gulp, expecting a pleasant liquid to soothe my throat and provide some much-needed energy. It had barely touched my tongue before I felt an urge to gag violently. The cup had sat there much longer than I realized! The ice had melted. Grainy chunks of cream floated on the surface. My much-anticipated drink had turned into a disgusting, gray mass of lukewarm revulsion that quickly ended up in the garbage.
Laodicea was the wealthiest city of the seven. It also had a disappointing feature: its aqueducts, meant to carry healing waters from nearby hot springs, were too lengthy to preserve the soothing temperature. By the time the water made it to the public baths, it was lukewarm, smelly, and repulsive.
The Laodicean church was meant to be a house of healing, a place where weary souls could be immersed in God’s presence. Instead, its apathy and self-reliance had moved it far away from its Source, making it utterly distasteful to everyone. If things didn’t change, it would find itself going down the drain.
Note areas in which you have become apathetic or self-reliant.
Laura Hurd is an ordained minister in The Wesleyan Church and holds a master’s degree from Wesley Seminary. She pastors with her husband, Jason, in rural Nebraska.
© 2022 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.
