Jesus wants you to be hot. They are not taking care of needs, providing moral support, or genuinely caring about people. Ruins from ancient Laodicea (photo by David Treybig). Therefore be zealous and repent. Imputed righteousness is the righteousness of Jesus Christ, credited to a person enabling him/her to be justified in the eyes of God. 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). This suffering was not the physical suffering on the cross of Calvary. Many portions of the city remained unusable afterward. It looks like Laodicea had put their faith in the gold that perishes. The phrase he who has an ear qualifies everyone who will listen and obey. 3. In the Old Testament, the sacrifice could not be slain until it had been presented to the priest. 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. According to Roman writer Tacticus, Rome offered to pay for the city to be rebuilt, but the people declined, saying that they were wealthy enough to restore their own city. 19 Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline; therefore be . In the New Testament, a believer dies with Christ to live a new holy life in the power of Christ's resurrection and identification with Christ's suffering (Romans 6:1-11, Galatians 2:20; Philippians 3:8-10). People came from all over the empire to purchase this medicine. Laodicea was so conscious of its medical skill in the care of the eyes that it never realized that it was spiritually blind. It was named Laodicea by the Greek ruler Antiochus II Theos around 260 BC in honor of his wife Laodice. (14) To the angel of the church in Laodicea write: The Amen, the faithful and true Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God, says this: 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). And there is one Lord, Jesus Christ. The fruit of godly repentance is unmistakable: earnestness (zeal) to do what is right in the eyes of God. 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. In the times of late antiquity, it had a large Jewish community and a significant congregation of Christians. So wealthy was Laodicea that after the great earthquake of A.D. 17, which destroyed it, the people refused imperial help in rebuilding the city, choosing rather to do it entirely by themselves. The city of Laodicea was located between the cities of Hierapolis and Colossae. It is up to the hearer to decide whether to take the Word seriously and try to understand it, and obey it. Justification is God's declaration of righteousness (it is imputed). Laodicea was a city full of merchants. Laodicea on the Lycus, located at the crossroads of important trade routes, was once a prosperous city, famous for its black wool, banking services, and medical achievements. Isaiah 1:18, Acts 3:19, and Revelation 7:17 state that the blood of Jesus washes our sin-stained garments that they would become white as snow. The stones were ground up to powder which was mixed with oil producing a well-known eye balm that was distributed throughout the Greek and Roman world. For example, lets say that I issued instructions for you to sit either on the left or the right side of the room but not in the center. Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost. He and his wife, Teddi, have two grown children and seven grandchildren. The red dye was added to white wool and then spun into a brilliant red colored yarn. 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. 2. Good deeds (Ephesians 2:10), godliness (1 Peter 1:15), Christ-likeness (1 Peter 2:21), and fulfilling the demands of the Law (Rom 8:4) are all part of the cost in purchasing white garments from Christ.). Why you are doing something is just as important, if not more so, than the works or deeds. We cannot deny our sin or find excuses to justify it. 1 Peter 1:5-9 compares faith with refined gold. The great Roman road stretching to the inland of Asia from the coast at Ephesus ran straight through its center, making Laodicea an important center of trade and communication. The Laodiceans were rich and self-sufficient, with no need for God to supply their needs. This letter was not written by a weary shepherd, hoping to be let in for some comfort and a bite to eat. Listen, that you may live; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, according to the faithful mercies shown to David. These Christians believe they are rich by believing in Christ and have abundance by their good works. One of the most common errors associated with this verse is the notion that the door is the door to a sinners heart. The wine was almost always served either hot or warm, as the ancient Greeks had no efficient way to chill the wine. Print subscriptions available in U.S., Canada and Europe. It is interesting to note that verse 15 starts with Jesus telling the church that he knows their deeds. Listen that you may live, and I will make an everlasting covenant with you. Buying gold tried in the fire from God requires several things from us: 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. Industry Gods word says that this spiritual gold tried in the fire is more precious than natural gold that perishes. 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. Jesus also told the Laodiceans to "anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see" (Revelation 3:18). Pay close attention! The ruins, now called Eski Hissar, or old castle, lie near the modern Gonjelli on the railroad, and they have long served as a quarry to the builders of the neighboring town of Denizli. It applied to the water of the city, and it was part of the message from Jesus Christ to the Church of God that was located there (Revelation 3:16). Behold, I stand at the door and knock. He had to take up a battle against the sin, and carry out His pledge: Not My will, but Yours, be done! Works, or deeds, are more than simply what we do; they are how we live. White is the most frequently mentioned color in the Bible. That the citys banking assets were noteworthy is evidenced by the fact that Cicero cashed huge bank drafts in Laodicea. The Bible exposes Satan's lies and deceit and is the tool to overcome all the sinful tendencies in our flesh. The residents would go there daily to fill their jars with the cold refreshing water from Colossae. He humbled Himself to the Father's will. After he sinned, he felt his nakedness and shame. It was the suffering of the cross He used daily, when He said No to His own will, the sin in His flesh, even when it bombarded Him incessantly with its demands and deceitful attraction. You must know the truth so well that, when the lies of the enemy appear, you can recognize them. 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). First of all, it begins with recognizing with a heart-rending awareness that we have defied God when we sin. 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. Laodicea was a town in the Lycus River valley in present-day Turkey. The Bible speaks of eye-salve. It covers a myriad of areas, including pride, impatience, selfishness, unrighteousness, irritation, laziness, vanity, complaining, sexual impurity, unbelief, discouragement, envy, greed, ingratitude, etc. You must know the truth so well that, when the lies of the enemy appear, you can recognize it. Jesus doesnt just look at the actions we perform; he focuses on the heart. God advises them to obtain spiritual riches produced through trials, which the self-sufficient Laodicean avoids by compromising. 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 was the location of a temple dedicated to Asklepios. You will know Gods character and will, and that is the heart of spiritual discernment being able to distinguish the voice of God from the voice of the world. 18cand eye salve to anoint your eyes so that you may see. Revelation 3:14-22 They were a prominent banking center for the entire region. To be a hot Christian could have several different meanings (or a combination of them) to the Laodiceans. Jesus loves this church, or he would not have rebuked them. Hierapolis achieved great renown for its hot springs and day spas. What does it mean to be cold? Gold, clothing, and eye salve represent the three major industries of Laodicea: banking, textiles, and medicines. (Ephesians 6:17; Hebrews 4:12) It is the absolute truth and a powerful weapon against temptation and sin. To hear is to obey. Does it matter which side of the room you sit in? Yet this wealth had blinded them from seeing their true spiritual condition. The word for love used in this verse is not agape but phileo. If it were a common practice to refer to the chief person in the church as a messenger, this would be evident in the other letters contained in the New Testament, especially in Paul's. Keep in mind as you read about the Laodiceans that they are a church filled with Christians. Production of the famous "Phrygian powder" was also performed in Laodicea. 3. Six miles to the north, the town of Hierapolis sat on the top of the cliffs overlooking the valley. gold. Water is an important necessity for any metropolis, and the ancient city of Laodicea accommodated this need. Here we see Christ speaking as a merchant, advising the church to buy his merchandise. What are we supposed to overcome? Remains of a water pipe in Laodicea (photo by David Treybig). They werent serving God the way he wanted them to be serving. (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. A lustrous black wool was produced there which was woven into much-desired clothing. Consider the following: Jesus then tells the Laodiceans that He has given them this strong correction because He loves them and wants them to be zealous and repent (Revelation 3:19). Please understand that Christ is not referring to saving faith in this passage. Other sources suggest that the water came from a hot spring with mineralized water containing sulfur, giving it an unpleasant taste and smell. 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; 20a Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him. What does it mean to be hot? The image is of a Savior who expects that His church will be looking for Him, awaiting His arrival. Even though Jesus spent time with sinners, he never called them friends. Instead of being victorious over temptation, temptation had been victorious over them. Both churches needed a severe rebuke. It is showing that all things were created through Him. Please understand that this verse does NOT say that hot is good and cold is bad; they are both good. Before considering the significance of this term and the rest of the message from Christ, lets note a few things about Laodiceas history. The Greek word (aggelos) is typically translated as an angel or a messenger. Laodicea also had a medical school for training people to become doctors. It almost always represents purity, righteousness, or wisdom. Those who do not have "ears to hear" are spiritually dead and cannot obey God until they respond to His work in their hearts (John 6:65; Romans 11:8). Chemicals such as cyanide solution or mercury are introduced to the gold to separate the gold from other metals. Youre going to have to spend time reading the Word, studying the Word, memorizing the Word, meditating on the Word, and obeying the Word. We must pray and cry out to God, and our lust for sin has to feel the pain of being denied. Laodicea was also known as a center for the wool and dye trade. All things are through Him, and we exist through Him. Colossians 1:16 (HSCB) says, For everything was created by Him, in heaven, and on earth, the visible and the invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities - all things have been created through Him and for Him. Hebrews 1:2 (HSCB) says, In these last days, He has spoken to us by His Son. It is a process where God makes us holy. For all its wealth, the city had poor water (comments on Revelation 3:14-22). The major idea behind this word is constancy and reliability.8 Isaiah referred to God as the God of amen, due to his truthfulness and trustworthiness (Isaiah 65:16). This promise is amazing because, whenever we do overcome in the battles of life, it is always through Him. It doesnt matter which one you are, as long as you are one or the other. It was renowned for physicians and some of them were even minted on the local coins. He reckons it to our account.18 The process of reckoning is what we call salvation. 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. Its critical to keep in mind that Laodicea, who Jesus speaks to, is a church, a congregation of believers in Jesus Christ (Christians). While God sanctifies by grace, Christians are responsible to appropriate God's grace by faith. What did Christ tell the Laodiceans to buy to cover their nakedness? In this case, the angel represents the church. Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost. There are multiple lessons that we can learn from Christs message to Laodicea. It has everything to do with imparted righteousness. Even Aristotle spoke of the medicines from Laodicea that supposedly helped with eyesight and hearing. He wants to hear about how our day went and share in our victories and sorrows. Call (626) 587-0033! Laodicea was a city that was so rich; it minted coins that bore the images of Apollo, Asclepius, and Zeus.16 The reproach in verse 17 assumes that the Christians in Laodicea were also rich, as the passage would have no meaning to poor people. It was important for ancient Greeks to eat with company. Spiritual fire burns away spiritual impurities. (Luke 9:23, Luke 14:26) It costs us something. It is a message of hope and victory. Then we must take active, practical steps to avoid falling into sin. The stone and salve were later imported throughout the Greek and Roman world but their first known use and preparation was in Laodicea. They have a lot in common with the church in Corinth. Among them nothing from before the Roman period has appeared. We have been warned and cautioned to be ready for His arrival. Hydrotherapy for the sick became accompanied by religious practices in the local temples. The city also became renowned throughout the empire for it's eye and ear salve. In the medical works of the 2 nd century AD physician Galen of Pergamon, he described an eye medicine made from a Phrygian stone, probably broken down into a powder or made into a clay, and the eye "salve" John mentions in connection with Laodicea is the same word used by Galen and other medical texts of antiquity (Revelation 3:18; Liddell . What they were doing wasnt being done for the glory of God. Whatever were doing, or however were serving, we need to examine our hearts and our motives and see if were doing it for the right reason. Similar to how some people likely spewed the citys unpleasant drinking water out of their mouths, Jesus said He would do the same, yet more violently. There is a major problem associated with being an angelic angel. Jesus wants you to be cold. It is the motive behind the action, or works, that is important. He's locked out of his own house. The time of need is when temptation comes when we see and feel the sin in our flesh when we struggle to keep ourselves from sinning. ointment made from spice nard and an eye salve made from Phrygian stones. The focus of justification is the removal of the guilt of sin. The second thing we need to look at is what it means to be hot. Along with Colosse and Hierapolis, it was one of the cities in the fertile Lyous [sic.] We must ask God for forgiveness and for strength to avoid sinning. -- Revelation 3: 14 (ESV) . The word rebuke is the Greek word (elegch) and means to convict, to prove one in the wrong.21 Jesus is doing more than just telling the Laodiceans their faults; he is convicting them of their sin. The act of hearing implied obedience. After all, He's knocking at the door. It was about 100 miles east of the port city of Ephesus. The word for dine is the Greek word (deipns), which means to eat at a banquet.24 This word for dine is very similar to the Greek word for dinner deipnon, the evening meal. To answer these questions, we need to look at Laodicea from the eyes of the Laodiceans. Are they so focused and preoccupied with prosperity that they cannot hear Christ's voice or hear his knock? His obedience was because, as a man, He had self-will that was in agreement with the Father's. Various thermal installations, which included immense hot basins and pools for swimming, were built to take advantage of the natural resource. He was very careful about whom he called friend. Jesus never referred to anyone who was not his disciple as a friend. Repentance comes from the heart and involves confessing from the heart. 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. He has served in the pastoral ministry for over 40 years, pastoring congregations across six states. John is only the recorder of the words, faithfully writing down what Jesus is saying. He encourages them to overcome just as He did. You would have thought that this was the ultimate act of humility. NPI number for Mrs Salve Aldea Pineda is 1669536868 and her . St. John mentioned Laodicea as one of the Seven Churches of Asia in the Book of Revelation As a result of not being either hot or cold for Jesus, they are like a rancid drink or repugnant drink that leaves a bitter taste in his mouth. 1. The hot/cold issue begs the question: What exactly is God talking about? While Colossae was neither as prominent or wealthy as Hierapolis or Laodicea, its location at the end of the valley made it easy to defend from enemies. 16 So because you are lukewarm and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of My mouth. He wants to be the friend that we invite over to dinner. Whenever Christ says, He who has ears to hear, let him hear, He is calling for people to pay careful heed. We cant relax and mistakenly assume we have it made. 2. via phone at (626) 851-7001. They probably think they are just like any other church. Jesus was obedient and faithful, even to the point of death (John 12:27,28). Hot water is only effective while it is hot. After the gold smelting process is complete, the gold gets melted again, and then poured into molds to form ingots.17. How is your hearing? It was a banking center. and eye salve to anoint your eyes so that you may see. In a letter to the Colossians, Paul wrote: Epaphras, who is one of you, a bondservant of Christ, greets you, always laboring fervently for you in prayers, that you may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God. 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). The discipline of Christ stated in Hebrews 12:5-11, explains that God's discipline proceeds from his love and seeks to develop righteousness in his people. The term lukewarm is a key word used to describe Laodicea. As a testament to its wealth, Laodicea had two theaters, a gymnasium, and a large stadium. 20band will dine with him, and he with Me. Baldwin Park Eye Care | We are located at 4829 New Broad St, Orlando, FL, 32814. Go to God. 15byou are neither cold nor hot; I wish that you were cold or hot. Verse three follows with, Incline your ear and come unto Me. The therapeutic virtues of the waters became the calling card of the town. Sign up to receive the week's latest articles, blog posts andupdates. If anyone in the church hears Christ's voice and opens the door, he will come and dine with them. Both churches were in a downward spiral of carnality. One of the two Roman theaters is remarkably well preserved, and there may still be seen the stadium, a colonnade, the aqueduct which brought the water across the valley to the city by an inverted siphon of stone pipes, a large necropolis, and the ruins of three early Christian churches (ISBE). We now come back to the question of how do you buy from Jesus' refined gold? Colossae had been a major trade center on the trade route from Sardis to Konya and was famous for the dark red wool cloth that carried that its name, colossinum (also derived from the madder root). Local resources of zinc and alum became the basis for the production of eye ointments, known as kollyria, also sold by merchants from Laodicea.3 The powder would be mixed with water to give it a paste-like consistency and then applied to the eyes. Eye salve in Laodicea The city of Laodicea was known for its extraordinary eye salve, as well as a medical school. What exactly is forgiveness? Incline your ear and come to Me. Praying for the sick should also be the norm for a hot Christian. Laodicea quickly became a rich city, rich enough to be able to rebuild itself without outside help after the destructive earthquake of 60 A.D. The city was also known as a health resort, one of the best in the Graeco-Roman world owing mostly to its lukewarm . And it fits not only with the larger context of Jesus' teaching; it fits perfectly with the flow of this passage. White clothes. Therefore, the Lord Jesus tells them to buy eye salve from Him to see their spiritual state. The hot mineral water was brought down from Hierapolis and used by the textile industry. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the New King James Version ( 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.). Removing those impurities, such as trace metals and ores, requires the gold to go through a process called smelting. The ancient Greeks liked their wine hot or cold. They had somehow taken off the white clothing they received during salvation and stood naked before God. What I said was important! Those who have ears to hear allow the Word to bear fruit to the glory of God. It is important to understand that Jesus does not call just anyone his friend. 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