Your Faith

Lukewarm to Passionate Life

I’ve been spending some time in the book of Revelation lately, really trying to dig in a bit and hear from God’s heart there. Early on, there’s a series of letters, or oracles, from Jesus to churches in Asia Minor (which is modern day Turkey). It’s good to remember that these were real churches, made up of real people, in real time and space. Jesus had some really nice things to say about their faithfulness, courage and perseverance, then He offered some of His disappointment and constructive criticisms.

This is one of the things that draws me to Jesus and His teachings. He’s all about mercy and love while never abandoning truth. Jesus says what needs to be said even when it’s painful.

The final church He addresses, in a place called Laodicea, received no compliments or applause from Jesus, just a heavy message. Jesus took it straight to the heart.

Here are some helpful things to know about Laodicea. For one thing, they didn’t have their own water supply. That’s bad news anywhere but especially in hot and dry climates. They built a six mile aqueduct to transport water from the hot springs of a nearby city. But by the time the healing hot water arrived it was lukewarm – too warm and nasty to drink, too cool to bathe in. Here’s what Jesus said to the Laodicean church: “I know all the things you do, that you are neither hot nor cold. I wish that you were either one or the other! But since you are like lukewarm water, neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth!” (Revelation 3:15,16)

The people understood lukewarm; they experienced it every day. Jesus said their hearts – the hearts of these churchgoers – were like their water, and although this translation uses a relatively tame word like “spit”, the Greek “emeo” is more literally, “You make me want to throw up.” Now, there’s a picture for you right from the heart of Jesus.

Laodicea was also a wealthy community, self-sufficient and financially secure. Jesus continued, “You say, ‘I am rich. I have everything I want. I don’t need a thing!’ And you don’t realize that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked. So I advise you to buy gold from me – gold that has been purified by fire. Then you will be rich.” (Revelation 3:17,18)

I totally understand the tendency to overlook the need for Jesus when my personal economy seems secure or when life, in general, seems to be running along smoothly. The Laodicean church was seated in a rich city but Jesus said spiritually they were, in fact, very poor and didn’t even know it. They had lost their priorities and passion. Their wallets were full while their hearts were bankrupt.

The Laodiceans were also well known for a rare kind of wool used for stylish clothing as well as a special healing ointment for diseased eyes. The latest fashion and cutting edge medical breakthroughs yet Jesus said, spiritually, they were naked and blind: “Also buy white garments from me so you will not be shamed by your nakedness, and ointment for your eyes that you will be able to see.” (Revelation 3:18)

I am amazed by Jesus’ way of speaking directly into a culture – He has an intimate knowledge of their strengths and weaknesses (and of ours). Yet, in His blunt, hard-hitting directness, Jesus tenderly offers the bandages for the wounds He’s just created by reminding them (and us) that “I correct and discipline everyone I love.” (Revelation 3:19)

I get that. It’s the people I care most about that cause me the most heartache and frustration if they’re living destructively. Those are the ones I chase after with a heart to rescue. I’m willing to speak the hard truth to those I love.

Jesus finishes with my favorite part: “So be diligent and turn from your indifference. Look, I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door I will come in and we will share a meal together as friends.” (Revelation 3:19-20)

Essentially, Jesus offers grace in a choice to let go of lukewarm indifference to embrace a passionate life. He offers a beautiful picture of intimacy with Him – one that I get really excited about.

There are many things I enjoy in this life and one of my favorites is simply sitting around a table with family and friends while enjoying a good meal. And, it’s not just about the food (although I have to admit, I love to eat); it’s about the relationships that grow around a table – unlike any place else.

Jesus says, listen, I’m knocking at your door waiting for the invitation to come in and hang out with you around the table. We will share an incredible meal together.

I imagine a gathering with family and friends, filled with stories, laughter, tears, maybe a silly game or two… and lots of good food! Sitting right there in the middle of it all is Jesus.

In light of Jesus’ message to the Laodicean church, I’m asking God to help me think differently about my relationship with Him and to feel differently about my time with Him.

Lord, show me the places in my heart that are poor, blind and naked. Help me to enjoy the same intimacy with you as I share with family and friends around the table. When I open the Bible or quiet my heart (or get loud in conversation) with you in prayer, let me enjoy a growing intimacy that allows you to speak encouragement and Truth into my heart.

I know that’s what Jesus wants with me – and with you. This letter wasn’t just written to Christians in another place long ago, it’s a message to us here and now as well. It’s time for us to ask Jesus for true wealth, a fresh wardrobe and 20/20 vision (spiritually speaking). It’s time for us to trade in our repulsive, lukewarm hearts and sit intimately at the table with the Creator and Savior, Jesus, who loves us enough to speak the Truth, laugh and cry, and share a great meal.