Revelation 3:14, 15

“To the angel of the church in Laodicea write: 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.  You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked.”

This description fits most of the established churches today, neither hot – loving Jesus with abandon – nor cold – swept up by the allure of the times.  Just lukewarm.  Jesus does not like that at all.   In fact Jesus dislikes lukewarm food so much that he can not swallow it. He says, “I am about to spit you out of my mouth.”  v 16  This is a word picture, of course, but a disarming one, to say the least. Let’s think about it.

Jesus prefers either hot or cold for if it is too hot he can cool it a bit and if it is too cold he can apply heat to it. The most difficult for Jesus are those who are, as he says, “lukewarm.”

He proceeds to describe what he means by being “lukewarm.” “You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.'”  I gasp a bit – horrors, that pretty well describes me even though my bank account is not all that flush. Further, if I am not wrong, it describes many, many believers today.  We have done the right things, worked hard and have earned security, and of course have had the good fortune of being born in a prosperous nation with huge resources.  That spells doom for the spiritual life of believers. The reason?

Jesus continues his analysis, “But you do not realize that your are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked.” Is this how Jesus feels about my contentment and well-being – luxuriat-ing in being so blessed? I find myself sitting back and praising for enough money, good health care, a nice and friendly country in which to enjoy the fruits of my own labors.

We hear believers praising God for such contentment.  Where is the real basis for my joy and contentment – forgiveness of my sin, mercies new every morning, a loving, forgiving Savior who is there to walk with me through suffering. And loving believers who pick me up.  And a loving family.

Why is it so difficult to admit weakness?  Pride in self-attained contentment is a real problem, causing Jesus to almost despair, nearly “spitting us out.”

Jesus explains the better way.  “Buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see.”  v 18

It is good to be “rich” but in a way contrary to the world’s way.  We might call it rich because we have the suffering Savior, “gold refined in the fire.”  Riches are ours through the suffering of Jesus Christ and all of heaven’s graces.  Those are true Christian riches, riches that will last for eternity.