Tuesday 18 November 2008
- Bible Book:
- Revelation
"I know your works; you are neither cold nor hot. I wish that you were either cold or hot. So, because you are luke-warm, and neither cold nor hot, I am about to spit you out of my mouth." (v.15-16)
Background
Laodicea was a fabulously wealthy town in Asia Minor (modern-daywestern Turkey), and it is to the Church there that this section ofRevelation is addressed. Its wealth came from its position onimportant trade routes, the presence of hot springs nearby and theexport throughout the Roman Empire of fine garments and a salve forthe eyes. The wealth, the cloth trade and skilled medical work werea source of pride for the people of the town. One difficulty withpride however is that it often causes complacency.
The people of Laodicea were complacent and the Christian communitythere seems to be no exception. The people of that Church could bedescribed as 'spiritual couch potatoes'! Of the seven Churchesaddressed in Revelation, this is the only one with no redeemingfeature mentioned by the writer.
Food that is hot or cold can be appetising, but tepid food can turnthe stomach. The writer suggests that the apathy of the Church iscausing Christ to be nauseous. Where is the fire of their faith?The writer John picks on the things that the Laodiceans take forgranted and challenges the Church to buy a different kind of gold,to put on "white robes" and to use a salve that will remove theirblindness. In essence, they need to become active in seekingspiritual wealth, in putting on spiritual garments and in regainingtheir spiritual sight.
Indifference is the opposite to what the Christian is called to.Christian living is to be passionate - an active response to thefree gift of God's love shown in Jesus Christ. John tells us thatChrist "reproves and disciplines those whom he loves" and here isthe hope for the Church. If they are shocked out of their apathy byhis strong reproof they can still respond to Christ's call. He isstanding at the door and knocking - it is up to them to answer thatknock and to invite Jesus in to dine with them. They can stillshare in the prize of heaven but only if they respond as activedisciples, living as God's people.
To Ponder
What are the things that you take forgranted?
What are matters of pride for you that get in theway of a proper perspective on your faith?
If you fear you might be a 'spiritual couchpotato' what do you need to pay attention to?