Tuesday, 11 December 2012

Knock, knock...

"To the angel of the church in Laodicea write:  There are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God's creation.  I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot.  I wish you were either one or the other!  So, because you are lukewarm - neither hot nor cold - I am about to spit you out of my mouth.  You say, 'I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.'  But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked.  I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see.  Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline.  So be earnest, and repent.  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.  To him who overcomes I will give the right to sit with me on my throne,  just as I overcame and sat down with my Father on his throne.  He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches."
Revelation 3:14-22 NIV

A difference that I've found between South Africans and Canadians is how they express themselves.  Canadians are very laid back and reserved.  So when describing a meal I just ate, I would typically say something like "that was nice" or "it was good".  Whereas I've found that many South Africans will more likely say "that was divine , or "stellar", or something like that, because they are very passionate and descriptive.

Typically, there is no doubting when a South African person has really enjoyed themselves.  That is a good thing.  Unlike Canadians who can leave you doubting if they really did enjoy something or not.

Jesus is passionate when talking to the Laodiceans.  He leaves no doubt in their minds where they stand with Him.  He wishes they were either hot or cold but they are lukewarm in their relationship with Him.

By the way, this is a characteristic of a real man, and a good communicator.  There is no doubt or room for misinterpretation in what is being said.  The consequences are far to serious to mince words.  Without hurting feelings, Jesus surgically gets to the point leaving the Laodiceans to choose which way they are going to go, hot or cold in their relationship.

In fact, Jesus is loving in that He tells them so, and counsels them in what they should do.  If He didn't care about them He would leave them guessing, or worse not even tell them at all where they stand.



Are you lukewarm but think you are rich and need nothing?
Are hot or cold for Christ?
What can you do to ensure you're 'right' with Christ?
The answer is in Christ's letter to the Laodiceans.

Knock, knock, Jesus is at your door.

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