Recently I heard a term used in a sermon by Hiram Kemp. He commented that some Christians are content to play “hokey pokey” in their Christian walk. They put their right foot in, and then they take their right foot out. In other words, they are seemingly devoted to Jesus one day, but the next day they have second thoughts and go back into the world. Any number of things can cause the vacillating conduct — doubt, fear, illness, sadness, lust of the flesh, lust of the eye, pride of life, and much more.
Unfortunately there were first century Christians who were content to practice “hokey-pokey” religion. When Jesus revealed himself in a vision to the apostle John on the island of Patmos, He had a letter He wanted him to deliver to the church of Laodicea. He said, ‘These things says the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God: “I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth. 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— (Revelation 3: 15-16). Jesus said they didn’t even know their pitiful condition, he characterized as wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked. This would have resounded immediately with the Laodiceans because their city was known for its great monetary wealth, its unique medicinal eye salve, and its luxurious cloth. The Lord, however, was not talking about these physical, perishing things, but about their spiritual lives.
The Israelites under the rule of King Ahab had a similar problem. Through the prophet Elijah, God uttered his disapproval for their actions, “And Elijah came to all the people, and said, “How long will you falter between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow Him; but if Baal, follow him.” But the people answered him not a word” (1 Kings 18:21). Eventually God’s wrath came down on His people through the power of the Babylonian army. Their city was destroyed and many were either killed or taken captive.
Just as God warned the Israelites, Jesus warned the Laodiceans. He counseled them to buy from Him gold refined in fire that they might be rich, to put on white garments so the shame of their nakedness would not be revealed, and to anoint their eyes with eye salve so they may see (Revelation 3:18). The refining in fire may refer to persecution, about which Jesus said, “If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you (John 15:20b). White garments may represent clothes of righteousness or obedience to God Almighty (Rev. 7:9). Salve for the eyes may represent the need for all souls to see and accept/obey Jesus as the Son of God. Our Lord said, But blessed are your eyes for they see, and your ears for they hear; for assuredly, I say to you that many prophets and righteous men desired to see what you see, and did not see it, and to hear what you hear, and did not hear it (Matthew 23:16-17). Finally, Jesus reminded the Laodiceans, As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent (Revelation 3:19). Even though they were lukewarm, He had not given up on them. He believed they could change.
If we recognize that we have been playing “hokey pokey” religion, first we must repent, make a u-turn, and begin a new and better daily walk with Christ. Zeal, that is, “passion for Christ and compassion for others coming to the boiling point,” must fill our hearts and stir the appropriate actions!
Today’s Verses: For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works (Titus 2:11-14).
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by Teresa Hampton