Topic: Hot, Cold, Lukewarm [David Jeremiah Ministry 22 January 2021 | Turning Point Ministries]
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Hot, Cold, Lukewarm
JANUARY 22, 2021
So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth.
Revelation 3:16
Recommended Reading: Revelation 3:14-22
When we ponder this verse, we’re faced with a dilemma. Why is being lukewarm worse than being cold? We can understand how our fervor for Christ should be hot. But if we’re not yet on fire for Him, isn’t it still better to be warmhearted than to be coldhearted?
The notes in the Jeremiah Study Bible help us here. There were three towns in close proximity: Hierapolis, famous for its hot springs, Colossae with its freshly-fed streams; and Laodicea with its piped-in water.
The JSB says, “In this verse, both hot and cold are good things. To first-century readers, they were not measures of spiritual temperature but of vitality and usefulness. The water from the hot springs of Hierapolis was useful for healing and restoration. The cold water at Colossae was refreshing to drink and quenched people’s thirst. But the water that reached Laodicea was distasteful and unsatisfying” (page 1844).
The Lord wants us to be cold—that is, refreshing and thirst-quenching. He wants us to be hot—that is, therapeutic and useful.
But may we never be lukewarm for Christ!
Slow down. Do not get in a rush. Take the needed time to think upon the Scriptures. It will set your life on fire.
Ronnie Floyd
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Read-Thru-the-Bible: Exodus 21 – 23