The message that comes through over and over again, in the different epistles written by the apostle Paul, is what Christ did for every individual by His life and sacrificial death and that He should be first for every believer and every congregational group. Paul wanted the message in Colossians read to the Laodicean group, as they were nearby. Interestingly, Laodicea was referred to as the lukewarm church, when Jesus gave His revelations to John. Revelation 3: 16, 17 “’So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot,’ I will vomit you out of My mouth. 17 Because you say, ‘I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing’ – and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked –‘”
It is the last day church that is named ‘lukewarm’ so I can see that Paul’s admonition is even more pertinent for the followers of God, at this time. Colossians 2: 1 – 3 “For I want you to know what a great conflict I have for you and those in Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh, that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, and attaining to all riches of the full assurance of the mystery of God, both of the Father and of Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” We also are surrounded by much V 8……. “philosophy and empty deceit, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ.” When reviewing history and how we are going in this era, it is still the teachings of Christ and He in the life, which brings stability; above any ‘spin’ a human can come up with! V 6, 7 “As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving.” I just love the word abounding, it denotes such fulsome belief and whole hearted activity, that just asks for all words and actions, be done with thanksgiving. For how could ‘abounding’ be accompanied by halfheartedness or being lukewarm’? I ask God, that if I am spiritually lukewarm in some areas, to please reveal this to me, and fill me with His Spirit, so that I desire and am enabled to change, and thereby be truly ‘abounding’.
Psalm 119 is a Psalm that reveals whole hearted searching for God, so as to be His complete and whole hearted follower, and serves as an enduring example for all us. V 10, 11 “With my whole heart I have sought You; oh, let me not wander from Your commandments! 11 Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You. V 14 – 17 “I have rejoiced in the way of Your testimonies, as much as in all riches. 15 I will meditate on Your precepts, and contemplate Your ways. 16 I will delight myself in Your statutes; I will not forget Your word. 17 Deal bountifully with Your servant, that I may live and keep Your word.” V28 “My soul melts from heaviness; strengthen me according to Your word. 37 “Turn away my eyes from looking at worthless things, and revive me in Your way.”
It is apparent in the words of Gods own, in scripture and for those who have lived since then, that truly Jesus is our ‘all in all’; the ‘beginning and the end’, the answer for us personally and for every spiritual need for everyone who accepts Him. We are to take comfort that He came as predicted, and has promised, to come again, for those who follow Him with all their heart. Isaiah 9: 6, 7 “For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Thank You Lord Jesus, please come soon.