Day 03 - West Central Turkey: Hierapolis, Colossae, Laodicea

Today was to be the day 25 of the group were to enjoy a hot air balloon ride over Turkey.   We assembled in the lobby at 5 am sharp all ready to go, we waited and finally the call was made: the wind conditions were not conducive for flight. Plan B is to hopefully make the trip tomorrow. One positive of the cancellation, we were able to have breakfast earlier than the others!

Weather was perfect for our outdoor sightseeing - 80’s, not a cloud in the sky with a nice breeze.

We were assembled and began the day with our devotion from Alex. Psalm 46 was the reading. Alex reminded us that God is our refuge and strength (vs1). Through Psalm 46, God gives us insight into His character and His availability so we may call on Him when we face obstacles in life. We received a reminder that He enters into our lives. Through practicing stillness and knowing God, the writer in vs. 10 prompts us to worship/meditate on Him. 

Hierapolis was our first stop. It is located in the Lycus river valley. Rich farmland and rolling hills make up the scenery. There are springs rich in minerals which were used for the healing of ailments. The group stepped into the springs to experience its unique mineral water.

A theater which is undergoing excavation was the site of our teaching from Ty. He expounded on the theater and its subtle influence on culture at the time of Paul. 

Many parallels were made regarding ideas/thoughts which are counter to God’s design and desire for us. The evolution of the theater to influence cultural worldview was at work in Paul’s time as well as ours. Paul confronted those ideas directly when he would preach. We as followers of Christ are to be set apart. Ephesians 5:1-5, Romans 1:28-32 and 1 Corinthians 13:1 are a few of the scriptures we poured over.

We walked amongst the ruins and learned of Philip his ministry of come and see to bring followers to Christ. Philip is said to have been martyred here and his tomb is restored here.

Hierapolis was destroyed in an earthquake in 60 AD. The earthquake was not the only factor leading to its downfall. There were changes in trade routes, change in the times and cities becoming more isolated. 

At Colossae, seated by a stunning waterfall, we again experienced another delicious lunch of fish, chicken and kofte (meatballs). Fellowship of the group was vibrant and many smiles were noted. Colossae was noted for its mercantile importance. The city was destroyed in 60’s AD by an earthquake and there is information to suggest excavation of the area could be soon.

After lunch Todd spoke into us; Christ in you, the hope of Glory.  Todd’s text was Col1:1-29. After reviewing how asceticism, gnosticism and mystical Judaism affect the NT of Colossae we learned of the roles of Epapharas, Philemon and Tychicus. The overarching supremacy and sufficiency of Christ causes us to love sacraficially, pursue maturity and gives us the assurance in Christ for a future resurrection.

Laodicea was the next stop. The restorations and current excavations being done there are absolutely amazing! We learned of the type of architecture, purpose in the designs and the Greek and Roman influences on those designs. Laodicea was considered at one time a center for opthomological treatment. The highly  intelligent lived in the city. Ty provided another insightful teaching starting with the Letter to the Laodiceans in Revelation 3:14-21. A warning was given to the church in John’s letter. Their wealth had caused them to become lukewarm spiritually. He warned them persecution was coming and they needed to be ready. We are to leverage our wealth in ways to honor God and give Him glory.

After a long day of walking, we returned to the hotel for another evening of rest and to fill our stomachs, now that our hearts are full.