Day 06 - Hierapolis, Colossae, Laodicea (and Philadelphia)

Be useful - you never know what God can do with what you bring to the table, large or small.

We started our day in the City of the Dead (Necropolis) of Hierapolis, learning how to honor those who have died and those who are mourning. 

Hierapolis was known for its hot water springs. People would come from all around to enjoy the benefits of the hot mineral waters. They still come today to enjoy the springs.

Phillip the disciple lived and taught in Hierapolis. A small town boy who dedicated his life to spreading the story about Christ. He gave God his life and trusted Christ with the rest. Ultimately, he was martyred in Hierapolis. We visited the Church of Philip the Martyr. 

We enjoyed lunch at a restaurant beside fresh water springs fueled by the cold waters running down the mountains - the same water running by Colossae. 

After lunch we walked up Tel Colossae, the city has yet to be excavated. We talked about the church in Colossae, especially Philemon and the letter written specifically to him. Paul wrote concerning the slave Onesimus, whose name means useful. Paul talked cheekily to Philemon about how he hoped Onesimus would be treated upon his return. Paul asked Philemon to treat Onesimus (who had been useful to Paul), as if he was Paul himself. God through Paul saw the usefulness of one others may have seen as less valuable and lifted him up. 

We ended the day at Laodicea, home of the lukewarm waters. Learning God wants us to be hot or cold, both are useful. Unlike lukewarm water which is spit out and useless. The church here was compromising - not being useful - and John admonished them to be hot or cold. We walked through the cultural and textual references specific to Laodicea. 

A highlight was seeing and hearing about the finding of a lit menorah with a cross sticking out of it. Carved after the time of John, it appears the church had learned from John and was being useful. This also showed the church was recognizing their Jewish roots. The church is lit by the path of its Jewish brothers.

While in Laodicea we talked about the church in Philadelphia. The letter follows closely the parousia of Ceasar to the city. Parousia is the advent/return/2nd coming of the emperor to a city given a gift by the emperor; the emperor comes to see what the city has done with what was given. The emperor returns unexpectedly, his return is announced by trumpet blast, his first stop is the city of the dead (to honor them), the people in the city go to meet him and go back into the city to show the emperor how they have honored him by putting his gift to use.

Finishing out the day in a house church in Laodicea. Some were putting to use what had been given them. Don’t ever forget what God can do with what seems like the most insignificant thing or life. He sees its usefulness.

- Sharon