Bird River Bible Blog

Anyone that knows me, knows that I’m a big fan of my coffee…and my tea…and really, any sort of hot beverage…or cold one at that. Hmm… I’m just a fan of liquid refreshment I suppose. Right now I’m sipping on a piping hot cup of the most delightful black tea, called “marriage de fruits”. It is actually one of the most beautiful teas I have ever had. Although, while I’m sitting here typing this, it’s beginning to cool off, so let me take a moment and finish off this cup of tea. There, done, finished. What’s that? Why did I have to stop typing and finish my tea so quickly? Ah, well let me share something about my beverage consumption. I like my hot drinks hot and my cold drinks cold. There’s no in between for me. I find “warm” not nearly good enough.

You know, there’s a verse in Revelation 3:16 where the writer records God addressing the church in Laodicea: “You are neither cold nor hot. I wish that you were either cold or hot. So because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I am about to spit you out of My mouth.” This entire passage of Scripture is quite vivid. One thing this church was known for was it’s wealth and riches. They said, “I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.” (3:17). But then Jesus told them that they were poor, wretched, pitiful, blind! Not materially but spiritually! They couldn’t give their hearts 100% to Jesus because they were focused on their wealth. Those are harsh, harsh words that Jesus shares with the church in Laodicea. If I say that I am a follower of Jesus Christ, he wants me to be 100% for him. I can’t go half-way in my commitment to following Christ. If I act like a Christian only on certain days of the week, then I am lukewarm, and like lukewarm tea, Christ says that he’d rather spit me back into the cup! Bleh! But wait the passage doesn’t end there. In verse 20 Jesus said “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me.” If you’re not 100% all for Jesus, then he’s waiting for you! He desires a real relationship with you! It’s a huge thing to give your life entirely to Jesus, but let’s think of the return: Jesus gave his life for us, and we can have eternity in heaven with him! Whoo!