I absolutely savor my morning coffee, that quiet hour with a delicious beverage is one of my favorite times of day. However, unlike everyone else, I don't mind when my coffee becomes lukewarm. On cold days I enjoy it hot, and I like it iced in the afternoon, but really my favorite way to drink my coffee is when it's just warm. I relish it as I sip it and as it gets down to room temperature during the course of my morning routine. But that is not what this blog entry is about. I just said all of that as a background and a way of explaining what comes next.
Gradually over the past 2 years the following Bible verse has been on my radar, and has really been understood by me as never before.
So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spew thee out of my mouth. Rev. 3:16
God is speaking to a Church that He is not pleased with. I understand the rest of the passage but this sentence has always puzzled me a bit. Perhaps, it's obvious to others but it wasn't to me. Since becoming a Christian I suppose I was always a little perplexed with this verse, because for me a lukewarm beverage isn't bad. Then, I never really understood why the Lord would rather have people hot or cold towards Him. Seems like He would only want them 'hot', as in passionate towards Him. And that those who were "cold" would be those who were indifferent or rejecting of Him. And why would he prefer even that than those who were 'warm/lukewarm' towards Him?
Well, it would seem I was missing the understanding altogether, because that is not what this verse is saying.
In the context of the times, one has to realize the importance of water. Cold, fresh water or hot water (either via springs or boiled) both have importance in the health of people. In ancient times, as today, lukewarm water is a breeding ground for disease. God wants His followers to be like fresh, cold water or like hot healing mineral springs, if you will, not like warm stagnant pools where bacteria and mosquitoes thrive, and can bring harm. I totally did not get this concept for years.
Lord, help me to be like cold, refreshing water to those who are thirsty; and help me to be like hot and healing mineral springs to people who are hurting and weary. Jesus was like that.
2 comments:
great post = ' ) food for thought, today.
btw, you've encouraged me to do something I've thought about for too long -- putting a disclaimer or copyright on my blog. Did anything negative occur that prompted your attention to this?
Nothing negative happened that prompted me to put the copyright info, etc., it just seemed like the right thing to do.
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