Day 04 - A Journey Through Biblical History - Hierapolis, Colossae, and Laodicea

Our fourth day was exploration of faith, history, and natural beauty, as we visited Hierapolis, Colossae, and Laodicea. Each site offered a unique window into the early Christian world, blending biblical texts with the tangible remnants of ancient civilizations.

Hierapolis: A Testament to Faith and Healing

At Hierapolis, the morning light bathed ancient stone and thermal pools, setting a serene stage for our day. This city, famous for its hot springs, has been a place of healing since antiquity. But it was the story of the apostle Philip's martyrdom here that captured our attention, bringing a somber reflection on the cost of discipleship. Pastor Luke, with Luke 14 as his text, spoke about the sacrifices made by early Christians, juxtaposing these with the physical healing that the pools symbolized. As we walked through the ruins, the amphitheater, the sense of connection to those early believers deepened, underscoring the theme of sacrifice and renewal in our faith journey.

Colossae: Uncovering Layers of Faith

The site of Colossae presented a stark contrast to Heiropolis, with its yet-to-be excavated ruins offering a vivid imagination of Paul's time. This small city, which received a heartfelt letter from Paul, represents the untapped potential for archaeological and spiritual discoveries. Pastor Luke explained the meticulous process of archaeology, from surveying to uncovering layers of history, mirroring the spiritual journey of digging deep into our faith. The nearby fresh mountain water, contrasting with the thermal springs of Hierapolis, symbolized the refreshing message Paul delivered to the Colossians, urging them towards a life rooted in Christ against cultural and spiritual challenges. This stop was a poignant reminder of the ongoing nature of discovery, both archaeological and spiritual.

Laodicea: A Mirror to Our Spiritual Condition

Our visit to Laodicea was a culmination of reflection and revelation. Walking through the ancient streets, we were surrounded by the remnants of wealth, industry, and medicine that once defined this city. Pastor Luke brought to life the words of Revelation 3, where Jesus rebukes the Laodicean church for their lukewarm faith. This message resonated deeply as we stood in the heart of a city that epitomized self-reliance and material success. The irony of Laodicea, with its famed textile industry, banking wealth, and medical advancements, being called "naked," "poor," and "blind" by Jesus, was a powerful lesson in the dangers of spiritual complacency and the illusion of self-sufficiency.

As the day concluded and we found solace in the warmth of the thermal pools at our hotel, the experiences of Hierapolis, Colossae, and Laodicea melded into a reflection on our journey. These ancient cities, each with their unique stories and lessons, urged us to examine our faith, to dig deeper into our spiritual foundations, and to seek a fervent, revitalized relationship with Christ.

This day was not merely a historical tour but a spiritual pilgrimage that challenged us to reflect on our personal commitment to Christ, against the backdrop of the early church's struggles and triumphs. As we rested, the day's lessons lingered in our thoughts, a call to wake from lukewarm faith and embrace a vibrant, living relationship with God.