Cold has descended on much of the nation. As I write this, it’s 14 degrees on campus, 2 in Chicago, and 17 below in Bemidji. Phoenix is only 46. The temperatures remind me of a warning to the church in Laodicea. “I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot! So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth.” (Revelation 3:15-16)
Martin Luther prays about his own coldness in faith and works. “I am cold in love; warm me and make me fervent, that my love may go out to my neighbor. I do not have a strong and firm faith; at times I doubt and am unable to trust you altogether. O Lord, help me.” (in For All the Saints, I, 190)
A church and its members can have the truth frozen, not active in works of love. This shot of cold weather reminds us to come in from the cold, and like the Emmaus disciples to again have our hearts burn within us (Luke 24:32). We might have cold hands, but God wants to see warm hearts.
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