FBC Daily Devotions

Read Revelation 3:15-16.

It was noted yesterday that there didn’t seem to be a hint of misconduct on the part of the Laodicean church early on, but reviewing Col. 4:15-17, it is possible that even at that early date the church needed words of admonishment. Note in Col. 4:17 that Archippus was told to “take heed of the ministry of the Lord,” and that there was another letter (now lost) that was personally written to the church (Col. 4:15). So it is possible the church was slowly becoming lukewarm even 30 years prior to this letter of Revelation. Indeed, a heart does not become lukewarm overnight.

The church at Laodicea was criticized for being neither hot nor cold. There are two popular interpretations for this. The first is one that says the church was stuck in the middle between being fervent in their faith and being completely fallen in their faith. On the one hand a fervent faith would be light and salt in a city that lived in darkness. Their reputation would have been similar to the Thessalonians where “in every place [their] faith toward God has gone forth.” (1 Thes. 1:8) On the other hand their faith could have been virtually non-existent. There would be no question that they did not represent Christ. As is it was, they lived in the middle, giving mixed messages to the world. Jesus says to them in essence, “Either represent Me well, or don’t represent me at all!” Their lukewarmness only left a bad taste in the mouths of those looking on.

Another popular interpretation has to do with the idea that through the city ran an aqueduct which brought water from the hot springs at nearby Hierapolis. By the time the water reached the city, it had become lukewarm, and because it was so high in mineral content, it tasted terrible and was useless in this condition. Had it remained hot, there would have been a useful, relaxing quality to it (imagine relaxing in a hot, mineral spring). Had it become cold, there would have been a refreshing quality to it. As it was, it was neither hot nor cold, and hence, useless. Similarly, the Laodiceans had perhaps become useless to the kingdom in their apathetic condition.

Either way, the church had lost its passion for Christ and consequently, its ability to impact those around them. Clearly, this is a call for self-examination. Do I have a lukewarm faith? What does my life communicate to others? Who is Christ according to my life? These are strong words from Christ. No words of encouragement here, simply a hard pronouncement of guilt. Take some time to reflect upon your life. If you are struggling with lukewarmness, what are some things you can begin doing to bring back some vibrancy to your faith? (May I suggest prayer – go to God with your apathy and ask Him to bring about a change.)