"So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth" - Rev 3:16 (NIV).
The story goes that once the Apostle Paul happened to give a lengthy sermon. Then, "Seated in a window was a young man named Eutychus, who was sinking into a deep sleep as Paul talked on and on. When he was sound asleep, he fell to the ground from the third story and was picked up dead" (Acts 20:9).
What led to the young man's slumber might be a result of certain unknown factors. Possibly he had had a long day and sleep caught up on him. But there could also be another possibility. He might not have been very excited altogether with whatever Paul had to say. Perhaps he was only eager to get back home. Unable to sustain concentration he fell to his death.
Our leading verse reminds us that we shouldn't live lukewarm lives. A lukewarm life is one which has one leg here and there, which might have been the case for this lad. There is a Ugandan term called- okulembeka. It speaks of someone who is pitting for water or morsels of food here and there. Usually this person never gets his bucket full, as he is never in one place. Once he hears of a better source he vanishes to the next point, where he might be lucky to scoop up the remnants.
The Christian life can only be enjoyed to its fullest when one fully and completely embraces it. Those who "kulembeka" only miss out on God's full basket for them to enjoy while here. Besides, because of being lukewarm, they risk being spit out as of no much use. May the Lord help us live lives that make no apologies for our faith, for we are completely in Him.
Prayer for today: Lord Father Abraham, maker of heaven and earth, today I pray that you help me live a life where I am absolutely happy to be identified with you, to partake of your full blessings, this I pray in Jesus's name.
Related upcoming events
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03/05/2024 - 04/05/2024 All day“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10)
Every now and then one could be gripped with fear because of certain events sweeping before one’s life journey. It could be the finances that are stretched and incomes are no longer certain. Perhaps it is one’s job under threat. Perhaps it is a dreaded health report card. There could be fear about outcome of a matter under judgment and what it might mean to one’s future.
Fear has been elsewhere described as “an unpleasant emotion caused by the threat of danger, pain, or harm.” Every life will experience fear at one point. Whenever we are faced with fear it is natural to look for something to grasp on. Sometimes we run for shelter wherever we can find. Perhaps we might seek out a friend for quiet confidence.
But there are those situations when there is no shelter in sight. There are also those cases where those we thought would understand our situation once we share our pain return only hurting and critical feedback. In such moments we might then turn and look within ourselves only to find the energy has all been sapped by this gnawing fear. We feel down and the urge to rise and move on all gone!
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand" (Isaiah 41:10) the word of God through prophet Isaiah assures us. But why? It is because the Lord has been there. He himself was faced with fear before his crucifixion but He looked to God.
Charles Spurgeon once wrote when faced with fear always remember, “Nothing is too hard for Him. He can find a way where there is no way. He can give us the idea that will make all the difference.” Psalm 91:2, says, “I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress, My God, in whom I trust!” So, when faced with fear, look to God to strengthen you. By looking to Him, the Lord will encourage and lift up your spirit, and make a way out of nowhere!
Prayer for today: Lord Father God of Abraham, maker of heaven and earth, today I surrender to you any fear that is in me for I know by looking up to you, you will always make a way out of nowhere, this I pray in Jesus’ name!
