Jesus said a terrifying thing to the last Church in Revelation, the Church of Laodicea… “I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot: I wish you were either cold or hot. So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spew (vomit) you out of My mouth” (Revelation 3:15,16).
Let’s define the word “lukewarm.” The Cambridge Dictionary defines it as “not enthusiastic or interested.” The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines it as, “lacking conviction: half-hearted.” Dictionary.com defines it as, “showing little ardor or zeal; indifferent; unexcited about.”
Notice Jesus is talking about their works; but works reveal faith – or the lack of it. Faith is energized by love (Galatians 5:6) and expresses itself in loving service for His cause. Laodicea wasn’t zealous for Christ or outright against Him, but continued “doing church” in a half-hearted, tepid, way that Jesus couldn’t swallow. Jesus' words are loving but stern… “As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Be zealous therefore, and repent.”
Now let’s define zeal. The Cambridge Dictionary says, “excitement, interest, energy, and enthusiasm for.” Merriam-Webster say, “eagerness and ardent interest in pursuit of something.” And Dictionary.com says, “fervor for a person or cause; eager desire or endeavor; enthusiasm; having passion and intensity for.”
It is written of Jesus, “The zeal of Your House has consumed Me.” Everything He has done for us – from Creation to the Cross to build His Church - is zealous. Every promise for our eternal future comes with this guarantee… “The zeal of the Lord of Hosts will perform this.” Doesn’t it thrill your heart to be so intensely loved?
The Laodicean Church is the last church before the Rapture. Jesus is coming soon, and we should all ask ourselves, “How will Jesus find me serving when He comes?”
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