Day 351: Revelation 3:14–16

I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish that you were cold or hot. So, because you are lukewarm . . . I am going to vomit you out of My mouth (vv. 15–16).

We can safely conclude that Christ would not prefer anyone to be spiritually “cold” toward Him rather than lukewarm, which is the way some have interpreted this passage. I believe Christ meant, “For crying out loud, be of one use or the other!” We have much to learn about this distinct city that will shed light on Christ’s rebuke and exhortation.

Laodicea lay directly between two other cities, seven miles southeast of Hierapolis and less than ten miles north of Colossae. Hierapolis was famous for therapeutic hot springs. Colossae was known for sparkling cold waters, but ruins reveal a sophisticated six-mile-long aqueduct that drew water from other sources for Laodicea.

In 1961–63 a team of French archaeologists excavated a structure called a nymphaeum located practically in the center of the city. The square water basin had stone columns on two sides and two semicircular fountains attached to it.81 The ornate fountains very likely stood as beautiful centerpieces in the city square. Characteristic of Laodicea, their beauty vastly exceeded their usefulness. You see, by the time the water was piped to the city from miles away, it was neither cold nor hot. You might easily imagine someone cupping her hands under the enticing waters to take a refreshing sip only to spit it out in disgust. Sound familiar? Hot water has therapeutic value, and nothing is like the refreshment of cold water, but lukewarm? If only I knew the Greek word for “yuck!”

Christ’s vehement frustration with the church of Laodicea was that she’d be of some use! The last thing I want to tout is a works-centered faith, but we have been called to faith-centered works. Christ intends for us to be useful! Churches are meant to be viable, active forces in their communities.

We talked earlier about how each person’s innate need to matter requires us to discover how our gifts and contributions can be useful. In the spirit of Christ’s exhortation to Laodicea, anyone can offer a cold glass of water to the thirsty or a hot cup of tea to the hurting. Or how about a frozen casserole? Or a warm pound cake? At times of my life, nothing has ministered to me more than those two things! Christ exhorts His bride, “Be of use to my world!” At times therapeutic. At other times refreshing. Each of us can be hot and cold.