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So then because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spew you out of My mouth. – Revelation 3:16
I have a question for you. How far do you think God can spit? The inspiration for this question comes from Revelation chapter three, verses fifteen and sixteen. The Lord is addressing His church in Laodicea. To those Laodiceans He says, -
15- I know your works; that you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot; I would rather have you cold or hot.
16 - So then because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spew you out of My mouth.
The Laodiceans lack of zeal for God has rendered them undrinkable.
God says He would rather have them completely cold than indifferent. Their preference for their possessions and money has them steeped in idolatry.
So to answer the question, ‘How far can God spit;’ the distance most likely is determined by the Laodiceans themselves. The farther their lukewarmness and compliancy has led them away from God, equals the distance of His rejection of them.
These Laodiceans have no desire for intimacy with God. He wants them to draw close to Him. He wants them to invite Him inside for intimate communion, but they are too satisfied with other things.
The remaining verses of the text suggests that He is going to have to reheat them in the refining fires of tribulation until they realize He is the only thing worth having.
The Lord ends His admonishments to this church with an assurance of His love and a promise. –
As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent. Behold, I stand at the door and knock: if any man hears My voice, and opens the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with Me. – Rev. 3:19,20
Lovely. I can picture all those poor Laodiceans finally coming to the realization that the most satisfying and fulfilling thing they can experience is that loving intimacy with their Creator.
Being zealous for God is the desired state of being He wants to see in His people. We satisfy Him like a steaming, hot refreshing beverage that He will ingest with great delight and pleasure. It should be our great delight and pleasure to satisfy Him in this manner.
I think we all have a tendency to get caught up with the things of this life from time to time. The point is, we can’t afford to remain there. We need to be on our guard against the things that would cause the flame of our passion for God to be extinguished.
And never be afraid to let your light glow in the presence of others. If anyone ever says to you, “You’re too religious” or, “You’re too spiritual,” take it as a compliment. They are only acknowledging that your zeal is challenging their own complacency, and lack of zeal.
God has called us to be lights in this world (Matthew 5:14). Be the zealous beacon of hope that can lead others out of the darkness and into a brilliant future in Jesus.
Be zealous for God, without being concerned about what other people think. Just enjoy the reciprocal comforting warmth of His presence in your life.
Copyright 2022 by H. D. Shively
Related Scriptures - Zeal
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