The passion to go out and serve

John Povey September 06, 2023 2 1

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Revelation 3: 14-22 (NRSVA)

14 ‘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:

15 ‘I know your works; you are neither cold nor hot. I wish that you were either cold or hot. 16 So, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I am about to spit you out of my mouth. 17 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. 18 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. 19 I reprove and discipline those whom I love. Be earnest, therefore, and repent. 20 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. 21 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. 22 Let anyone who has an ear listen to what the Spirit is saying to the churches.’

Laodicea was the Church that was lukewarm. Not the most complimentary of criticisms!  So what was the problem at Laodicea?

The church in Laodicea was wealthy in material things, but poor in spirituality. It seemed that the Lord was shut out of this church, because the people did not recognise their dependence on Him.

Lukewarm could not be the experience of someone like Moses, who got close to a burning bush! Moses’ faith was ignited. He took off his shoes, for he was aware that he was standing on holy ground.

What are you passionate about? People can be passionate about hobbies, work, politics, and sport, among other things, yet remain lukewarm about matters of faith. Can you be passionate about Christ and His kingdom?

We must be on our guard against being spiritually lukewarm! The people of Laodicea needed to change, to be ignited in their faith, to have their passion return, to recognise their spiritual need, to become fully committed.

Jesus stood at the door of their hearts and knocked. Even though they had become lukewarm and proud, He longed for them to return to His fold, to dine with Him.

The invitation is open to anyone. Open up your heart and welcome him in. What an invitation! To dine with the Lord! With this in store for us, we can quickly become passionate about our relationship with Him.

PRAYER:

Lord, come into our hearts today, renew us and remake us in Your image so that we are pleasing to You. Give us spiritual eyes to see our poverty. Gently lead us into the truth about our own condition and that of the world around us. Create in us a passion to love You and to serve You, for You are the Ruler of heaven and earth. Thank you for not giving up on us. We desire be faithful and true to You, our God and King. Amen.