Chapter Thirteen/Buy Gold Refined by Fire

 What message does Jesus have for the Laodiceans? He has no word of commendation. Frankly, he tells them: "I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. But I wish you cold or else hot. So, because you are lukewarm and neither hot nor cold, I am going to vomit you out of my mouth." (Revelation3:15, 16) How would you respond to such a message from the Lord Jesus Christ?  Would you not awaken and examine yourself? Surely, those Laodiceans need to bestir themselves, for they have become spiritually indolent, apparently taking too much for granted. (Compare 2 Corinthians 6:1.) Jesus, whom they as Christians should have imitated, always displays a fiery zeal for Jehovah and his service. (John 2:17) Further, meek ones have found him to be always gentle and mild, as refreshing as a cup of cold water on a sweltering hot day. (Matthew 11:28, 29) But the Christians in Laodicea are neither hot nor cold. Like the waters that flow down into their city, they have become tepid, lukewarm. They are liable to be completely rejected by Jesus,' vomited out of his mouth'! May we for our part always strive zealously as did Jesus, to provide spiritual refreshment for others. -MATTHEW 9:35-38. 

Next time: Chapter Thirteen/Buy Gold Refined by Fire - "You Say: 'I Am Rich' "

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