The steadfast few and those lured away
Bountiful fruit; Philadelphia is known for it's vineyards, delicious grapes and wine. Row after row of grapevines line the roads. The most familiar name to us, since one of our historic cities is named Philadelphia, the name means brotherly love, based on the devotion of an early leader and his elder brother. But in the letter to the church, we see that the church must have endured tremendous pressure. Here there is no condemnation, but encouragement to endure and a declaration that God loves them. The only thing He asks is that they hold firm, that they are eternally His. The buildings that remain include a huge gymnasium where the people came to exercise, socialize, exchange the news of the day and enjoy community. Ornately built and decorated, it was probably the "place to be" of the day. Everyone was welcome to the gymnasium, but first one had to bow to the statue of the emperor before entering. Pressure to be "in" with the society must have tempted many to bow down to be able to enter and take part in society. Apparently a number remained firm, unbowing; these the Lord commends. The letter encourages us to withstand the same sort of temptations present today.
Next we went to the site of ancient Sardis, established more than 3,000 years ago. Rich in gold, and was one of the most prosperous cities of the region. Though appearing to be doing well and "alive," the letter to the church describes it as appearing to be alive, but dead. Apostasy, following false prophets, the church declined, as well as the city. However, Jesus says that there were a faithful few; they "had not defiled their garments." They are promised rewards, having their names preserved in the book of life. We were struck with the beauty of what remains of the city today. Pillars, remains of churches, walls of the central market are surrounded with beautiful wild flowers, blanketed with vibrant spring colors. The 4th largest temple in the region, Artemis Temple, is found here; next is the shell of an early church. It is thought that there was a large Christian community in Sardis, as well as the early presence of a Jewish community after the fall of Nebuchadnezzar. There are still remains of a large synogogue here with intricate mosaic floors and hallways. What an encouragement to know that there is always a remnant of His faithful ones, and they will indeed be rewarded.
Our last stop was in Thyatira. The other locations have been in the countryside, but the site of this ancient city is now in the center of today's city of Akhisar. Fenced and surrounded by businesses and cafes, the remains of this church could and seem to be easily overlooked. The remaining pillars and pieces of walls stand in the shadows of modern buildings and busy streets. It seemed very sad to see people walking all around it, yet ignored. As we read the letter to the church in Thyatira, we heard how Jesus praised them for the growth they had shown in service, yet He condemns the tolerance of a false prophet, Jezabel, who drew many astray. To those who did not fall into her trap, there is praise and no other pressure put on them but to endure. History shows that there had been several periods of persecution here, but at this point, sexual immorality promoted by this prophetess had caused great damage. Probably least is known historically about Thyatira, but the longest letter of all the churches is addressed to it, which seems to emphasize the graveness of the consequences of immorality when it becomes accepted practice.
We have two more "letter sites" to see tomorrow, but what we have seen so far has reminded us of basic truths: many of the cities were affluent, prosperous and of influence and elaborately constructed. Though remains can still be seen today after hundreds of years, they are still mere remains, a collection of stone and marble. Man's creations will never match God's creation. There are always consequences to ignoring, compromising or denying God's commands. Most of the letters offer warnings for all to heed, even today. It is causing us to examine how we stand up to His standard as churches and individual believers. The truth does and will forever endure, but how much of the world today goes about business as usual, as in Thyatira, with truth in sight, but ignored or overlooked.
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