From Spiritual Bankruptcy to Spiritual Treasure

Up, up, and away! We started the day with a hot air balloon ride over the Pamukkale region. 800 meters from the ground, we had breathtaking views of red roofs, cedar trees, and a patchwork quilt of agriculture – cotton, olives, pomegranate, and even sheep fields. The most unique site would be the travertine bluffs – totally white with calcium. We could see people already enjoying the hot springs of Hierapolis, which we will visit later. Our kind and friendly balloon guides talked of family and country with great affection; it was a great glimpse into Turkish values and culture, and a wonderful start to the day.

Next, we headed for a first-hand look at the city of Hierapolis. It is incredible to think that this city, about the geographic size of Tyler, heartens back to the third century BC! The highlight of this place was the connection to one of the apostles. At the top of the hill was a structure that Eric Barton revealed as a Martyrium- a place constructed to honor someone who has been martyred. In this case, it was Philip, the apostle. From Bethsaida, he came all this way to spread the gospel. It was Philip who said in John 1:45, “We have found the one...Jesus of Nazareth...” One of Philip’s first converts here was the proconsul’s wife, who paid for a tomb in which he was buried after being crucified upside down. Philip gave his all because of his belief in the cause of Christ.

Lunch was a welcome respite from the sun: a cool patio at Marla’s restaurant at the Pamukkale Tennis Club! Beef Kabobs, French fries, roasted tomato & pepper; finishing off with sweet, local fruit for dessert!

Our last foray was through the ancient city of Laodicea. This is the first of the seven churches in the book of Revelation that we will visit in Turkey. Once again, an incredibly organized metropolis! Designed on a grid pattern, with sewers and streets paved of travertine, it was amazing. Ross Strader taught on the significance of Laodicea’s attractions- though they were proud of their black sheep’s wool; eye treatments (which is probably what drew Paul here), and banking system as well as self-sufficiency in rebuilding after the earthquake of AD 60. Jesus took them to task on this in Revelation 3:17-18, calling them “wretched, pitiable, poor, blind and naked.” Jesus called them lukewarm— a term that would have hit home to the Laodiceans, since their big drawback was the water problem- it came from other sources through an aqueduct, and came out lukewarm.

As we stood in one of the many church structures here, Ross led us through the first chapter of Revelation, to thinking about John himself- exiled and missing community in just such a church, he spent his Sabbaths in solitary worship, until Jesus himself appeared again to him. Upon turning to the voice he heard, John gives us a beautiful description of his Savior and friend in Rev. 1:12-16. It was a moving experience to stand in this space and read the words Jesus instructed John to pass down, eventually, to us. Just as Jesus was standing at the door knocking for the Laodiceans to embrace spiritual treasure, He does so for us today. Ross charged us to take a chance and step back to hear from Jesus ourselves in these ancient and sacred spaces. 

Elizabeth & John Murphy