The Father's Love

Hello, my friends!

Many of us have heard sermons about being “on fire” for God and avoiding the dreaded “lukewarm” state that Jesus mentions in Revelation. But what if we've misunderstood this passage all along? Let's explore a fresh perspective on these familiar words.

The Common Misinterpretation

For years, preachers have interpreted Jesus' words in Revelation 3:16 as a spiritual temperature gauge: “So because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will vomit you out of My mouth.” The traditional view suggests that “hot” represents passionate devotion, “cold” signifies rejection of faith, and “lukewarm” is the half-hearted middle ground.

This interpretation often leads to guilt-driven Christianity, where believers constantly question whether they're “hot enough” for God. But is this really what Jesus meant?

Understanding the Geographical Context

The city of Laodicea provides important context for Jesus' metaphor. Unlike neighbouring cities with natural hot springs (Hierapolis) or refreshing cold waters (Colossae), Laodicea had neither. Their water came through aqueducts and arrived tepid and mineral-laden—literally causing visitors to spit it out.

Jesus wasn't condemning temperature variation but highlighting the uselessness of lukewarm water compared to beneficial hot or cold water.

The Refreshing Cold

Being “cold” doesn't mean opposing God—it's being refreshed BY God! Think of a cool drink on a scorching day. Cold water revitalises and restores. Similarly, there are seasons where we primarily receive God's grace, resting in His peace and being renewed by His presence.

The Productive Hot

Being “hot” isn't merely enthusiasm but allowing God to produce abundant fruit THROUGH us as His vessels. As Galatians 5:22-23 reminds us, it's the Spirit who produces fruit in our lives, not our striving! Hot water heals and serves, just as we become channels of God's power.

The Healthy Rhythm

In a vibrant Christian life, we experience BOTH states! Sometimes we're being refreshed by His presence, drinking deeply of His grace. Other times, we're actively bearing fruit as He works HIS works powerfully through us. Both states glorify Him beautifully!

The Dangerous Lukewarm

The dangerous position is “lukewarm”—relying on dead religious works and self-effort. The wealthy Laodiceans thought they needed nothing, substituting their achievements for God's power. They were building their brand, not His kingdom!

Embracing Divine Dependence

Jesus wasn't demanding we choose between hot or cold! He was inviting us to experience BOTH His refreshing presence AND His empowering grace, while rejecting the tepid middle ground of human striving. Remember what Jesus said in John 15:5, “Apart from me you can do nothing”!

Be blessed today, my friends, and may you find freedom in knowing that God desires both seasons of refreshing rest and productive service in your life—all empowered by His grace!

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