"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.
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17/05/2024 - 18/05/2024 All day“And I in righteousness I shall see your face; when I awake, I shall be satisfied with seeing your likeness” (Psalm 17:15)
One of the defining aspects we see in the life of the Lord Jesus Christ is that He began the day with prayer. “Very early in the morning while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed” (Mark 1:35). As he was always surrounded by crowds and after such a busy day before of preaching and engaging the Pharisees in debates this must have been a therapeutic moment for Christ when he would have some good time to himself.
But there was also more. For Jesus being away in a secluded place would also mean a chance to pour out His heart to God, meditate in quietness, plan for the day ahead and listen to the Father. Jesus must have looked up to this moment every day knowing its benefits. Conversations with His Father must have been real and intimate, bringing a certain soothing and uplifting of His spirit. You do not wake up and stick to something on a daily basis that is a drag – this must have been his best time of the day!
Martin Luther the leader of the protestant reformation is reputed to once have said, “I have so much to do that I shall spend the first three hours in prayer.” Here is the point. In the olden days before the arrival of locomotive transport those who were setting out for a long journey on foot had to start early with the first cock crow before the punishing sun came out. One of the things they had to start with also was a good meal, which was fuel needed to give them energy through the long walk to their destiny.
There are no rules about waking up to pray as first thing- or even saying prayer at a defined hour of the day. God is everywhere and ever with us. He is accessible at any time of the day. But there is something special about prioritizing our lives that the first thing we do is to talk to God. Just like the early traveller we need fuel, for the long day ahead!
Prayer for today: Lord Father God of Abraham, maker of heaven and earth, what a joy and privilege to make time at the start of any day, talk and hear from you, for the power I need through the day, this I pray in Jesus’ name!
