Weekly Devotional from Lenae

HOT, COLD, OR LUKEWARM

I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm – neither hot nor cold – I am about to spit you out of my mouth.

Revelation 3:15-16

Jesus was the originator of object lessons. He spoke of the things of God in relation to what people could easily identify with. He invited His fisherman disciples to “Come follow me, and I will make you fishers of men” (Mark 1:17). He told the crowds who sat under His teaching that they were salt and light (Matthew 5:13-16), and described the Kingdom of Heaven being like a field of wheat and weeds, mustard seed, yeast, hidden treasure, a merchant looking for fine pearls, and a net that is let down into a lake (Matthew 13).


When Jesus spoke of hot, cold, and lukewarm water to the church in Laodecia, He was also speaking a language they could understand. Hierapolis was about six miles from Laodicea and was known for its hot waters that were good and healing. The baths of the Hierapolis were so immense that hundreds of people could bathe at the same time. “People from distant regions came to soak in warm baths and seek healing for arthritis, skin diseases, and even abdominal problems” (Ray Vander Laan).


The city of Colosse is eleven miles from Laodicea and it was known for its cold, refreshing drinking water. Located at the foot of Mt. Cadmus, their streams remained icy and pure because of the snow and rain that flowed from the peak of Mt. Cadmus.

Sandwiched between the hot water of Hierapolis and the cold water of Colosse was lukewarm Laodecia. Their stagnant water was full of minerals, gross, useless, and undrinkable. God looked at the city of Laodecia and saw lukewarm water that made them sick. He looked at the people of Laodecia and saw lukewarm hearts that made Him sick.
Within his website, followtherabbi.com, Ray Vander Laan, applies the truth of this verse: In light of the water for which the cities of Hierapolis, Colosse and Laodicea were known, the apostle John might have been saying, “If you were hot, like the springs of Hierapolis, you’d bring healing, restoration, and comfort to people who suffer. If you were cold, like the water in Colosse, you’d refresh and encourage people who are hurting. Instead, you are lukewarm. You don’t do anyone any good and you make me sick just like your own water.”

As you prayerfully and honestly do a water temperature test on your heart, what does it read? Make no mistake, the warning in Revelation goes beyond the ancient city of Laodecia. Its truth must be applied to the waters within our hearts, clubs, and churches today.

PASSION Step: Do not measure the temp of your heart to those around you. Compare your heart’s water to Jesus alone!

Apathy is the acceptance of the unacceptable.
John Stott

Grace and peace,
Lenae