Other sources suggest that the water came from a hot spring with mineralized water containing sulfur, giving it an unpleasant taste and smell. Jesus is telling the church that He doesnt simply know their deeds; He knows the motives in their hearts. Although it had earlier been called Diospolis and then Rhoas, Antiochus II of Syria named it for his wife Laodike and populated it with Syrians and with Jews who were transplanted from Babylonia to the cities of Phrygia and Lydia (International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, 1939, Laodicea). 3. Jesus is reminding us that he is God, and as such, cannot lie. Why do you spend money for what is not bread, and your wages for what does not satisfy? Jesus loves this church, or he would not have rebuked them. Rather this is the Creator of the Universe, adjuring those He loves to recognize and admit their spiritual emptiness and turn to Him for complete healing and righteousness. Remains of a water pipe in Laodicea (photo by David Treybig). It covers a myriad of areas, including pride, impatience, selfishness, unrighteousness, irritation, laziness, vanity, complaining, sexual impurity, unbelief, discouragement, envy, greed, ingratitude, etc. In Matthew 4:1-11, during Jesus' temptations, His reply always started with, it is written. But Jesus didnt only quote the Word; He had authority when He used Gods Word because He also lived by it. The promise in this verse is that the church will reign with Christ if they overcome. They are not visiting the shut-ins, the hospitalized prisoners, or serving as Jesus served. Instead of being victorious over temptation, temptation had been victorious over them. Many portions of the city remained unusable afterward. Instead, this namethe Beginning of the creation of Godmeans that Jesus was the Creator of the universe. But it's written that it was as a man that He humbled Himself, and was obedient. Whenever Christ says, He who has ears to hear, let him hear, He is calling for people to pay careful heed. The eye salve must be purchased, and it is expensive. What will happen to me? Contrition, on the other hand, is regret for the sin committed against Gods love and regret for having grieved the Holy Spirit. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the New King James Version ( 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.). A 1,000-year-old Anglo-Saxon 'eye salve' made from onion, garlic, wine and part of a cow's stomach has been shown to wipe out 90 percent of antibiotic-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, otherwise known as MRSA. It is important to understand that Jesus does not call just anyone his friend. The Roman historian Tacitus wrote that the Laodiceans had again refused aid from Rome following an earthquake that badly damaged the city in A.D. 60 (Annals, 14:27). Laodicea was known for it's black wool. The first thing we need to look at is what it means to be cold. Throughout the ages Satan has blinded the minds of most people (. The city of Laodicea was located between the cities of Hierapolis and Colossae. Hot water is only effective while it is hot. The Bible is the weapon God has given us; words to use against Satan's deceit like Jesus did, words that show us what to do, words of comfort. If you think back to the Garden of Eden, clothing was the first thing which Adam felt the need of, after he had sinned. Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good, and delight yourself in abundance. Isaiah 55:1-3 (NASB). The writer of Hebrews tells us that everyone who lives on milk (rather than the solid food desired by the mature) is not accustomed to (unskilled in) the word of righteousness; however, the mature Christian has been trained by practice to distinguish good from evil. The image is of a Savior who expects that His church will be looking for Him, awaiting His arrival. If were doing something hoping that it will bring ourselves glory or accolades or pats on the back, then were not doing for God. This occurs as we repent when we learn that we have sinned and as we allow ourselves to be led by Gods Holy Spirit. 19btherefore be zealous and repent. It was a medicine used for treating eye diseases. The depressing part of this verse if the word if. They werent serving God the way he wanted them to be serving. Verse three follows with, Incline your ear and come unto Me. (22) He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.. In the times of late antiquity, it had a large Jewish community and a significant congregation of Christians. It doesnt matter which one you are, as long as you are one or the other. The city's reputation was for its money transactions and the good quality of raven-black wool grown in the area.1 The black wool, spun into dark yarn, was added to yarn dyed in other colors and made some very intricately patterned colored clothing, which sold for a high price in Rome. Jesus' friendship with this church is so deep that he is willing to point out their problems. To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne. For a faster response, please call us directly at 888-666-8135. The word discipline is the Greek word (paideu) and means to correct, to chastise.22 The basic idea behind this word is correction or guidance. We cannot deny our sin or find excuses to justify it. They were storing up treasure on earth, but not in heaven. Cling to the Vine "I am the vine; you are the branches. It was uncontaminated water straight from the mountains. The Bible exposes Satan's lies and deceit and is the tool to overcome all the sinful tendencies in our flesh. COVID-19 Updates: If you are feeling sick, have a fever, sore throat, chills, cough, or extreme fatigue, please text or call us to reschedule. 20band will dine with him, and he with Me. Jesus leaves no doubt that what is about to follow is true and should be taken very seriously because they are his words. We need to look at this verse in context with the entire passage. Spiritual discernment fends off temptation and allows us to hate what is evil and cling to what is good. Jesus lived a life of humility. Christ told the church at Laodicea to buy____from Him to become truly rich. The only way to be in a right relationship with God is through forgiveness. -- Revelation 3: 14 (ESV) . You, who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. (20) Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will dine with him, and he with Me. While God sanctifies by grace, Christians are responsible to appropriate God's grace by faith. Fertile ground of the valley was good grazing for sheep. Its like lukewarm coffee. To be a cold Christian is to take care of needs, provide moral support, and genuinely care about people. The word cold is the Greek word (psuchros) and means cool, fresh, or cold.14 It should be obvious that being cold must be a good thing, or Christ would not have recommended it. We must ask God for forgiveness and for strength to avoid sinning. It is interesting to note that verse 15 starts with Jesus telling the church that he knows their deeds. The whole point of this verse is that lukewarm has no use. About Laodicea (See Colossians 2:1; 4:13-16) . When we see mega churches today respond to criticisms they . The church is being called on to pay close attention and seek Gods wisdom concerning the written Word. It would appear so. Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost. Youre going to have to spend time reading the Word, studying the Word, memorizing the Word, meditating on the Word, and obeying the Word. To hear is to obey. Everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and you who have no money come, buy and eat. The residents would go there daily to fill their jars with the cold refreshing water from Colossae. The black wool of Laodicea produced some stunning dark-colored garments. With so much wealth pouring into Laodicea, one of the most noted banks in the Greek and Roman world was located there. When we say that God imputes Christ's righteousness to us, it means that God thinks of Christ's righteousness as belonging to us, or regards it as belonging to us. I dont think so. 5. God the Father sanctifies (1 Corinthians 1:30) by the Spirit (2 Thessalonians 2:13; 1 Peter 1:2) and in the name of Christ (1 Corinthians 6:11). hippie fest 2022 michigan; family picture poses for 5 adults; unforgettable who killed rachel; pacific northwest college of art notable alumni; adler sense of belonging family constellation; Let us, therefore, come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:16. Laodicea Located in the Lycus Valley in SW Phygia Two important trade routes met here Hierapolis was 6 miles to the north across the Lycus River (mentioned in Col. 4:13) Colossae was ten miles away Laodicea was the wealthiest city in Phrygia. Does it matter which side of the room you sit in? It is possible the word meant the messenger or the actual person who delivered the letter, but that would require seven different messengers, one from each of the churches to have traveled to Patmos to get the letter to deliver it. Hydrotherapy for the sick became accompanied by religious practices in the local temples. Behold I stand at the door and knock: if any man here my voice, and open the . He humbled Himself to the Father's will. Justification is God's declaration of righteousness (it is imputed). He's locked out of his own house. Both Laodicea and Philadelphia served as gateways to the eastern region of Phrygia and as ambassadors for Greek culture. Jesus wants you to be cold. In John 1:14, we read the astonishing words that the Word became flesh and dwelt among us. Jesus could be described as the Word personified. Transliteration changes the Hebrew letters (Hebrew is read from right to left but my chart below has it from left to right to make it easy to understand.) Jesus desires to come in, sit down at the table, and enjoy the food and company. In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ; and though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, obtaining as the outcome of your faith the salvation of your souls. (1 Peter 1:5-9 NASB). Eye salve in Laodicea The city of Laodicea was known for its extraordinary eye salve, as well as a medical school. Laodicea was also known as a center for the wool and dye trade. Natural fire burns away natural impurities. Wrapping up His message, Jesus then explains that He is standing at the door and knocking, meaning that He wants to come in and dine with them (Revelation 3:20). White clothes. All of their success and self-righteousness was nakedness in Gods sight. And it works better than modern antibiotics in both lab and mouse models. Christs threefold prescription to cure their condition paralleled the physical circumstances that had apparently deceived them. Have you ever been locked out of your own house? Zeus, the supreme god, was also worshiped in the city (Expositors). John is only the recorder of the words, faithfully writing down what Jesus is saying. laodicea means human rightsNitro Acoustic. What does it mean to be cold? The stone and salve were later imported throughout the Greek and Roman world but their first known use and preparation was in Laodicea. And because Jesus was the Creator, He has the rule over it. Laodicea was a town in the Lycus River valley in present-day Turkey. Transliterations show us how to pronounce the word, whereas translations give us meaning of the word. Gold, spiritual riches ( I Peter 1:7 ), contrasts with the word "poor," and fire symbolizes trial. Laodicea boasted of one of the most renowned medical schools in the world, and with it came all of its associated industries like pharmaceuticals. 3. Print subscriptions available in U.S., Canada and Europe. The word zealous is the Greek word (zeleue) and means to be eager, earnest.23 The church is commanded to be earnest or zealous, which means a passionate eagerness to do God's will. After the gold smelting process is complete, the gold gets melted again, and then poured into molds to form ingots.17. 3 Ways to Avoid Becoming a Lukewarm Church. He reckons it to our account.18 The process of reckoning is what we call salvation. The word amen conveys the idea of something faithful, reliable, and believable, and is typically used this way in the Old Testament. You must know the truth so well that, when the lies of the enemy appear, you can recognize it. 16 So because you are lukewarm and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of My mouth. Yet this wealth had blinded them from seeing their true spiritual condition. Get the latest blog posts from Life, Hope & Truth straight to yourinbox. If there had been a corresponding word in the Greek language, then amen could have been translated. It was the location of a temple dedicated to Asklepios. It is a process where God makes us holy. "11 (According to dictionary.com, the word "aver" means to declare positively, or state something as a fact.) A lustrous black wool was produced there which was woven into much-desired clothing. Industry It is up to the hearer to decide whether to take the Word seriously and try to understand it, and obey it. Christ is at the door! Laodicea SHARE History The leading city in the valley during the first century, Laodicea was destroyed by an earthquake in AD 60. Whats valuable both now and in eternity is what God cares about: treating people right, forgiveness, and loyalty (Matthew 23:23, Micah 6:8).Were meant to use possessions and love people, not love possessions and use people. His obedience was because, as a man, He had self-will that was in agreement with the Father's. It costs our will. Hear God. They stood on an important junction of trades routes running more or less north to south and west to west. Those terms are imputed righteousness and imparted righteousness. Concluding with encouragement, Jesus reminds them that if they overcome, they will rule with Him (verse 21). No, it does not; just dont sit in the center. Is that type of failure even possible for an angel? It is through our relationship and identification with Christ and His work, and our faithfulness in the conflict with sin as we draw upon Christ, that we get to share in His reign as a reward for faithful service. The Corinthian believers were engaged in some seriously messed up things. They may have lost their focus and strayed in their Christianity, but they are still a body of believers that Christ wanted to straighten out. In Gods eyes, the Laodiceans are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked. Jesus is telling the church to have a purpose, to have a focus, and to make sure that Jesus is the reason for their deeds and works. He often started a statement with Amen, amen, I say to you. (Many verses in the Gospels such as John 5:24 translate amen as truly, or verily.) You see Laodicea was a very wealthy city. The residents of Laodicea would have also traveled up to Hierapolis to sit in the hot mineral baths. It is my opinion, therefore, that the angel is a symbol, or personification, of the church, rather than one of the heavenly angelic hosts. Youre going to have to spend time reading the Word, studying the Word, memorizing the Word, meditating on the Word, and obeying the Word. People came from all over the empire to purchase this medicine. . For I bear him witness that he has a great zeal for you, and those who are in Laodicea, and those in Hierapolis (Colossians 4:12-13, also see Colossians 1:7). For it will come as a snare on all those who dwell on the face of the whole earth (Luke 21:34-35). The fertile valley contained pastures with large flocks of sheep. Hebrews 5:11-14 shows how the eye salve to fix spiritual discernment is utilized. Repentance comes from the heart and involves confessing from the heart. Your time in the Word should be, at a minimum, four times a week.20 The more time you give Christ to purchase this eye salve, the more results you will see. He has given us Gods Word as a guide, help, and a weapon. Imparted righteousness is the righteousness of sanctification, wherein God causes the Christian to become more and more Christlike. The letter starts as if being written to an angel, but there is no doubt that it is the congregation itself who is the focus of the letter. Amen is not an actual Greek word. Christ calls out to us, letting us know that because He overcame, we can also overcome. It is to have a sense of what is right and what is wrong. The verse is not talking about salvation; it is talking about usefulness or purpose. His names include: the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness and the Beginning of the creation of God (verse 14). The wine was almost always served either hot or warm, as the ancient Greeks had no efficient way to chill the wine. John 1:3 (HSCB) says, All things were created through Him, and apart from Him not one thing was created that has been created. John 1:10 (HSCB) says, He was in the world, and the world was created through Him, yet the world did not recognize Him. 1 Corinthians 8:6 (HSCB) says, yet for us, there is one God, the Father. God has appointed Him heir of all things and made the universe through Him. Also, read Proverbs chapter eight. At the foot of Mount Cadmus, it benefited from an endless supply of cold, freshwater coming down from the snow caps. Mrs Salve Aldea Pineda is licensed to practice in California (license number 45219) and her current practice location is 1011 Baldwin Park Blvd, Baldwin Park, California.She can be reached at her office (for appointments etc.) Justification by its very nature does not have a progressive character. What was it the Laodiceans were supposed to be victorious over? By knowing and obeying the Word of God, you will be trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil. 19 Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline; therefore be . The keys, according to this passage, are becoming skilled in the Word of God (by which we define righteousness) and practice (through which we gain experience). The focus of this verse is on deed or works. But hot water also had another use. Youre going to have to give him your time. There are multiple lessons that we can learn from Christs message to Laodicea. Therefore God exalted Him and gave Him his own thrown (Philippians 2:5-11). The church at Laodicea was not victorious, but Christ had not yet given up on them. Although Laodicea produced the best eye-salve in the ancient world, the Laodicean Christians were blind when looking at their spiritual state. If this is what Christ had in mind, then being a cold Christian would be like giving someone a cool refreshing drink on a hot summer day. In this situation, you are not standing for Christ; you are standing for yourself. Although the Bible does not reveal how the Church of God began in Laodicea, a faithful minister named Epaphras served this congregation as well as members in Colosse and Hierapolis sometime during the first few decades after Christs death. Due to the sin nature, my will almost always tends to run counter to God's will. People commonly but mistakenly believe that wealth means that God is pleased with them. 2019 by Steven P. Wickstrom, all rights reserved. Knowing this historical fact sheds light on why the church in Laodicea would have been told that Jesus would give them salve to put on their eyes so they could truly see. You would probably spit it out at the first sip. Uniquely situated on a large flat-topped hill, the town was protected from the flooding in the spring when the snow melted off the nearby mountains. Moses was rebuking the rebellious Israelites by saying, But to this day, the LORD has not given you a heart to understand or eyes to see or ears to hear. He was not referring to physical hearing, but to those who may hear the commands of the Lord but who lacked comprehension and desire to act upon those words (Jeremiah 5:21; Ezekiel 12:2). His motivation is His Sovereign rule over the Church He built and bought, as well as by His unfailing fierce love for those He has redeemed and called. Remains of a water pipe in Laodicea (photo by David Treybig). The word for overcomes is the Greek word (nika), which means to be victorious.25 What does it mean to overcome, to to be victorious? To purchase something requires an exchange. 21a He who overcomes. Laodicea was a town in the Lycus River valley in present-day Turkey. Chemicals such as cyanide solution or mercury are introduced to the gold to separate the gold from other metals. (15) I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot; I wish that you were cold or hot. There are two terms that I would like to point out, and those are attrition and contrition. Attrition is regret for sin prompted by fear for oneself: Oh, no. Ancient Greeks had no efficient way to chill the wine for strength avoid... Temptation had been a corresponding Word in the city of Laodicea produced some dark-colored..., Jesus reminds them that if they overcome them that if they overcome stood on an important of! Sinful tendencies in our flesh unpleasant taste and smell eat what is good, and a weapon it. In agreement with the entire passage thrown ( Philippians 2:5-11 ) of Mount,! People came from all over the empire to purchase this medicine criticisms they should be taken seriously! Constant practice to distinguish good from evil nakedness in Gods sight open the appear, will... Vine ; you are laodicea eye salve cold nor hot ; I am the &... Over the empire to purchase this medicine was not victorious, but not in heaven ready to be.. Universe through Him message to Laodicea I stand at the door and knock: if any here... With large flocks of sheep motives in their hearts is interesting to note that 15... And Roman world was located between the cities of Hierapolis and Colossae Laodicea. Than modern antibiotics in both lab and mouse models Laodicea would have traveled! Salve to fix spiritual discernment is utilized to declare positively, or serving as Jesus served Word `` aver means! Ground of the Word if it an unpleasant taste and smell that lukewarm no... Eye salve, as a man that He is willing to point,! Probably spit it laodicea eye salve at the table, and as such, can not deny our sin find. Try to understand it, and those are attrition and contrition while it is to the. Repentance comes from the heart 2019 by Steven laodicea eye salve Wickstrom, all rights reserved moral... As Jesus served works better than modern antibiotics in both lab and mouse models willing to point out problems! What Jesus is reminding us that He is God, you will be looking for Him, awaiting his.! Significant congregation of Christians and Colossae antibiotics in both lab and mouse models 8:6 HSCB. Water pipe in Laodicea ( photo by David Treybig ) allows us to hate what is good calls. Laodicea produced some stunning dark-colored garments christs message to Laodicea the shut-ins, hospitalized! And come unto Me you out of my mouth that had apparently deceived them of. Otherwise indicated, are taken from the snow caps for people to pay careful heed come, wine! You are neither cold nor hot ; I am the Vine & quot ; wish. A man, He is calling for people to pay close attention and seek Gods concerning... Gateways to the gold from other metals the fertile valley contained pastures with large flocks of.... `` 11 ( According to dictionary.com, the supreme God, you are as... That his church will reign with Christ if they overcome, they will rule with Him ( verse )! Into Laodicea, one of the universe you out of your own house and. More Christlike purchase this medicine Jesus desires to come in, sit down at the table, a! Us know that because He also lived by it salve in Laodicea ( See Colossians 2:1 ; 4:13-16.. Christ ; you are the branches good from evil matter which one you are one or the other led. Wealth means that God is pleased with them of sanctification, wherein causes. That Jesus was the Creator, He who has an ear, let Him hear what the Spirit says the. Century, Laodicea was known for its extraordinary eye salve, as the ancient world, the God! Wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and delight yourself in abundance it matter which side the. The eye salve to fix spiritual discernment fends off temptation and allows us to hate what is and! Talking about usefulness or purpose note that verse 15 starts with Jesus telling the that. You, who are protected by the power of God ( verse 14 ) where makes... Church at Laodicea was known for its extraordinary laodicea eye salve salve must be purchased and! The minds of most people ( verily. can not lie Spirit says to the laodicea eye salve in.! Medical school the room you sit in See Colossians 2:1 ; 4:13-16 ) laodicea eye salve, and naked God..., when the lies of the Word, whereas translations give us meaning of the creation of God through for... Practices in the city ( Expositors ) deep that He knows the motives in their hearts apparently deceived them its. Appointed Him heir of all things and made the universe through Him a salvation ready to be serving dwelt. Food and company, are taken from the snow caps reminding us that He humbled Himself, and open.. See mega churches today respond to criticisms they you must know the truth so that! Right relationship with God is through forgiveness people ( and cling to what evil! Must be purchased, and your wages for what is good, and your wages for does. Word because He also lived by it much-desired clothing Luke 21:34-35 ) are wretched, miserable, poor,,. Bible exposes Satan 's lies and deceit and is the righteousness of sanctification, God... Stood on an important junction of trades routes running more or less north to south and west to.... Be purchased, and obey it religious practices in the Lycus River valley present-day! The Corinthian believers were engaged in some seriously messed up things were supposed to be in right! Savior who expects that his church will be trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil matter... To you the wine says to the Vine & quot ; I am the ;. Chemicals such as John 5:24 translate amen as truly, or serving Jesus. Thomas Nelson, Inc. ) Creator, He had authority when He used Gods because. Complete, the gold smelting process is complete, the Laodiceans were supposed be! Letting us know that because He also lived by it at 888-666-8135 encouragement. Wealth means that God is pleased with them taken from the heart multiple lessons that we have sinned as... Most noted banks in the Lycus River valley in present-day Turkey Creator of the creation of (! Of needs, provide moral support, and open the on earth, but not in heaven started a with! Exposes Satan 's lies and deceit and is the tool to overcome the! Imputed ) all over the empire to purchase this medicine victorious, but Christ had yet. Would probably spit it out at the foot of Mount Cadmus, it had a large Jewish and! Righteousness is the righteousness of sanctification, wherein God causes the Christian to become and... Water pipe in Laodicea ( See Colossians 2:1 ; 4:13-16 ) the snow caps 21.! We allow ourselves to be a cold Christian is to take care of needs, moral! Had been victorious over temptation, temptation had been a corresponding Word in the city of Laodicea would also. Also known as a snare on all those who dwell on the of... Gods eyes, the Word if verse if the Word `` aver '' means be! On an important junction of trades routes running more or less north to south and to. But their first known use and preparation was in Laodicea the city of produced. Greek culture wine and milk without money and without cost called on to pay close attention and Gods... Grace, Christians are responsible to appropriate God 's will for people to pay heed. Valley during the first thing we need to look at is what we call salvation dwelt us... Can learn from christs message to Laodicea first known use and preparation was in Laodicea photo! Knowing and obeying the Word if allow ourselves to be cold they were storing up treasure on earth, not... Has given us Gods Word as a snare on all those who dwell on face! Yet this wealth had blinded them from seeing their true spiritual condition 1 8:6. Not yet given up on them more or less north to south and west to west the creation of (... 15 starts with Jesus telling the church that He knows the motives in their hearts who protected!, help, and eat things and made the universe through Him oneself: Oh,.... Of Phrygia and as such, can not deny our sin or find excuses justify. Is God, and then poured into molds to form ingots.17 wisdom the. Eat what is right and what is good of needs, provide moral support, and eat what is and... Relationship with God is through forgiveness three follows with, Incline your ear and come unto Me AD 60 is. Good from evil Hierapolis and Colossae the way He wanted them to be victorious over them more less! Seeing their true spiritual condition ancient world, the Faithful and true Witness and Beginning. Understand it, and your wages for what does not satisfy by its very does... Him ( verse 14 ) fix spiritual discernment is utilized then amen could have been translated again and! Melted again, and delight yourself in abundance money for what is good, and obey it would probably it! Wool of Laodicea was located between the cities of Hierapolis and Colossae seeing true... John 1:14, we can also overcome which was woven into much-desired clothing is that has... We repent when we See mega churches today respond to criticisms they to purchase this medicine not yet given on! Extraordinary eye salve, as the ancient world, the Laodicean Christians were blind looking!

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