Laodicea and Hierapolis

Lukewarm

We're now tracing the path of the seven churches of Revelation.  We have already been to Ephesus with the conference group, so today our team began our travels together to Laodicea and Hierapolis.  The drive there was spectacular!  Surrounded by snow capped mountains, we felt as though we were in Colorado or the Alps.  Miles of rich, green pastures, dotted with herds of sheep, gave way to orchards of olive trees, oranges and other groves.  The temperature has remained very cool and at times, chilly, and today was no exception.  As we explored the remains of Laodicea and viewed reconstructive drawings of the city, it was easy to imagine the affluence of the city in its prime.  Theaters, huge market place, intricate aquaduct systems show the ingenuity and material achievements of the people.  Being in these places  truly makes the scriptures come to life.  As our guide explained the lay of the land, outlets of thermal heat from near surface magma giving off steam that generates power, heats homes and produces the thermal pools existing still today, the instructions given to the Laodicea church became especially significant.  Being neither near to the source of the purifying hot water nor the clear, pure cold water on either sides of the city, Laodicea was indeed lukewarm.  The water was considered difficult to drink, often inducing vomiting, explaining Jesus' comments of spewing the water out.  In its affluence, the Laodiceans had become self-sufficient, proud, materialistic, indeed withdrawn from their source, Jesus, for life.  As we discussed this letter, applications to our society today were sobering.  Each of the letters cause us to examine our societies, churches, and personal life, and we are impressed even more by the experiencing these sites in person.   

We continued on to Hierapolis, a nearby area known for it's cascading waves of calcium deposits that give the appearance of sand dunes on the hillside.  As the hot thermal mineral waters  poured over the hilltops, calcium deposits were released, coating the surface and creating a deep build up of "steps."  The mineral baths are considered to have many healing properties, and people through the centuries have come here to enjoy their benefits.  Even in this "off season," we were surprised at the number of visitors.  Though cold outside, many of us couldn't resist pulling off our socks and shoes to step into the waters of these calcium steps.  As long as we were near the source of the water at the top, it was very warm and soothing.  As you stepped further down the steps, the water progressively cooled, another very vivid picture of the Laodicean letter.

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