Everyone who knows me knows I like to ride a bike, as in, I provide the power. B-i-c-y-c-l-e. 🙂 It is absolutely essential the bike be in good working condition to enjoy my riding-chain lubed, tires inflated, brakes working properly, appropriate cycling clothing (bib shorts with a chamois), gloves, and helmet (never without it).
I forgot one other essential-water bottles. I have 2 24oz Polar or Camelback water bottles. They are insulated to keep liquid colder, longer. I freeze my drinks ahead of time, usually the night before-one with water and one with an electrolyte mixture. I fill the bottles about 3/4 full then freeze them. Before I head out for my ride, I top them off. This generally guarantees me cold, sometimes very cold, drinks for about 2 hours. There have been times when I took the bottles out of the freezer too soon, or my ride went longer than planned or it was hotter than I thought and my cold drink became…
LUKEWARM. Ugh! Looking forward to that cold, refreshing drink running down my throat and all I get is bland, lukewarm liquid is a downer. Disgusting might be a good word. But I drink it anyway since it is better than dehydrating.
The church at Laodicea had a similar problem. No other meaning can come from Rev. 3:15-16: “I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot; I wish that you were cold or hot. So because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will vomit you out of My mouth.” Just as a lukewarm drink of water while riding on a hot, sticky day is unfulfilling, so Jesus says that about the church.
Furthermore, He says that He wishes that they were either hot or cold and, tragically, they didn’t even know they were in such dire straits!! Read verse 17. Talk about seeing right through a person…or a church!
I could write more, but you can add your own thoughts. I’m arrested in my thinking by verse 19: “Those whom I love, I rebuke and discipline; therefore, be zealous and repent.” A loving Savior offering a way out of the yukky, lukewarm state.
“Father, may I not become lukewarm in my faith but find myself on fire for You. If I get lukewarm, rebuke and restore me to life.”
Here is a blast from the past for you to listen to. Maybe more relevant today than when we wrote it back in the ’80s.
Oh, Amen! Yes, LORD, me too!
May it be Lord.
Isn’t it interesting that when there is contamination in water we are told to boil it… Or to keep things from going bad you refrigerate or freeze it. Let’s leave that milk on the counter for a day or two… How about that raw meat?
Perhaps there is something about “lukewarm” that promotes growth of bad stuff… like sin.
Lukewarm gives the illusion, the half-truth, the deception that things are going well, but that is just on the outside… Inside the milk is spoiling, the meat is rotting, and the soul is aching.
No wonder God wants to vomit it out.
I agree with your prayer, and add… Lord, keep me at a temperature that is pleasing to you.
You make some really good points about the food Ryan. I hadn’t thought of it that way. Always appreciate your input
Just the word “lukewarm” suggests a lack of passion and commitment. No wonder God doesn’t like our faith to slide in that direction!
Blessings, Bill!
Well said Martha. Thanks