Page 53 - Living Light 91

Monday January 26 - Spat out!
“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
On the outside wall of my school was an old drinking fountain. The water dribbled out rather than ran, and it was never cold. It was unhygienic and nasty to drink, but on a hot summer’s day you had to make do with it. Lukewarm water is awful, whether you are wanting a cold drink or a hot cup of tea. If you drink it thinking that it is one or the other then you might instinctively spit it out. Laodicea had a poor water supply. Positioned between cold refreshing mountain springs on one side and hot healing springs on the other, the water that the citizens drank was unpleasantly warm and of little use for anything other than the basic necessities of life. Jesus sees the faith of the Laodiceans as similarly useless and fruitless. Their deeds are ineffective and they are good for nothing other than to be spat out of the mouth. Jesus’ judgement on them must be one of harshest recorded in scripture.
When I see the faith of Christians from other cultures, especially ones without the material advantages of the West, I feel shown up by their steadfast faithfulness. I know that I don’t rely on God as much as I should, and to be very honest, at times my faith and deeds are neither hot nor cold. Are we prepared to be challenged by Jesus’ words?
Loving Lord Jesus, forgive me those times when my faith falters. Help me to serve you with greater passion. Amen.
Tuesday January 27 - Rich and yet so poor
“You say ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you... you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked.” Revelation 3:17
About thirty years before John received these words Laodicea was hit by a terrible earthquake. The city was almost destroyed. Offers of financial help came in from the Roman empire but the Laodiceans refused it. They could rebuild without charity, thank you very much.
That goes to show just how wealthy the city was, as well as revealing the pride that allowed them to refuse help. It seems that the church has also acquired both the wealth and the pride. This is a problem for their walk with Jesus. In his message to the church, Jesus pulls no punches. “You think you are rich,” he says, but he then goes on to describe them in terms of a destitute beggar – “wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked.” I wonder how the church felt when they heard this letter read!
We might not feel particularly wealthy, but for many of us, living in a prosperous country with access to free medical care, a pension for the elderly as well as all the trappings of 21st century life, we are indeed well-off compared to those in previous ages and the majority of people in other parts of today’s world. How does this wealth impact our faith? Do we rely on God for everything, or is he a last resort when other things fail? The Laodiceans placed all their trust in their gold. May we keep our trust firmly in God.
Heavenly Lord, help me to place my trust wholly in you today. Amen.
PRAYER FOR TODAY
PRAYER FOR TODAY
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