laodicea eye salve

ointment made from spice nard and an eye salve made from Phrygian stones. While we may never be free from temptation and sin in this lifetime, we can still be victorious and overcome. Christ told the church at Laodicea to buy___from Him so they could see. Hours of Operation Monday & Tuesday 10a - 6p | Thursday & Friday 8a - 4p Saturday - By Appointment Only. There is a major problem associated with being an angelic angel. So what does it cost to purchase eye salve from Christ? The word for overcomes is the Greek word (nika), which means to be victorious.25 What does it mean to overcome, to to be victorious? About Laodicea (See Colossians 2:1; 4:13-16) . Gods perspective of their condition was a stark contrast as to how they saw themselves. It was the perfect water for drinking, cooking, or even bathing. He wants to be a friend with whom we enjoy spending time. The fruit of godly repentance is unmistakable: earnestness (zeal) to do what is right in the eyes of God. Revelation 3:14-22 Revelation 3:20. People traveled from around the world to obtain these supposed healing elixirs. Uniquely situated on a large flat-topped hill, the town was protected from the flooding in the spring when the snow melted off the nearby mountains. We need to look at this verse in context with the entire passage. Our eternal perspective affects our earthly priorities. Even though Jesus spent time with sinners, he never called them friends. (17) Because you say, I am rich, and have become wealthy, and have need of nothing, and you do not know that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked, In short, to be a cold, Christian is to serve as Jesus served. He wants to be the friend that we invite over to dinner. Time. The Laodicean church is not hot. Youre going to have to spend time in the reading the Bible to learn the truth and by meditating on the Word, reinforce the truth. Cc trang web thay th tt nht cho Herbert-armstrong.org - Kim tra danh sch tng t ca chng ti da trn xp hng th gii v s lt truy cp hng thng ch trn Xranks. And there is one Lord, Jesus Christ. Is that type of failure even possible for an angel? In this situation, you are not standing for Christ; you are standing for yourself. Nine miles to the east of Laodicea lay the town of Colossae. He was very careful about whom he called friend. Jesus never referred to anyone who was not his disciple as a friend. They were storing up treasure on earth, but not in heaven. Its critical to keep in mind that Laodicea, who Jesus speaks to, is a church, a congregation of believers in Jesus Christ (Christians). So how did Jesus overcome? Jesus' friendship with this church is so deep that he is willing to point out their problems. More than likely, the members of the church in Laodicea were carnal Christians. David Treybig is a husband, father and grandfather. God expects His people to maintain zeal for His way of life. Isaiah 55:1-3 speaks of buying from God without money things that dont have a price. They probably think they are just like any other church. The ancient Greeks liked to drink hot water. Incline your ear and come to Me. If were doing something hoping that it will bring ourselves glory or accolades or pats on the back, then were not doing for God. John 1:3 (HSCB) says, All things were created through Him, and apart from Him not one thing was created that has been created. John 1:10 (HSCB) says, He was in the world, and the world was created through Him, yet the world did not recognize Him. 1 Corinthians 8:6 (HSCB) says, yet for us, there is one God, the Father. While God sanctifies by grace, Christians are responsible to appropriate God's grace by faith. What did Christ tell the Laodiceans to buy to cover their nakedness? God has appointed Him heir of all things and made the universe through Him. Also, read Proverbs chapter eight. The depressing part of this verse if the word if. The fertile valley contained pastures with large flocks of sheep. Justification by its very nature does not have a progressive character. Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost. In John 14:14, Jesus said: You are my friends if you do what I command you. Had this church been filled with non-Christians, Jesus would not have called them friends. John did not use the appropriate word if he was addressing an elder, deacon, or pastor. Laodicea is the seventh of the seven churches listed in the Book of Revelation. The church at Laodicea was not victorious, but Christ had not yet given up on them. There are a couple of points that I need to make here that you might not have seen before. The first question well delve into is why they needed to purchase white garments. The mineral water was used to clean the wool and set, or lock, the color of the dyes (this ensures the wool holds its color when washed). What I said was important! Those who have ears to hear allow the Word to bear fruit to the glory of God. It doesnt matter if you sit on the hot side of the room, or the cold side of the room, dont sit in the lukewarm center. 19a Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline. Article URL: https://lifehopeandtruth.com/prophecy/revelation/seven-churches-of-revelation/laodicea/, Although there was much gold in the city, the riches that really matter are spiritual in natureknowing and practicing Gods truth (, Although Laodicea had a reputation for producing excellent-quality garments from the wool produced in the area, the Bride of Christ will be dressed in fine linen, clean and bright representing the righteous acts of the saints (, Although Laodicea produced medicine for healing various eye ailments, the most important things we need to see are spiritual. The wine was almost always served either hot or warm, as the ancient Greeks had no efficient way to chill the wine. Therefore God exalted Him and gave Him his own thrown (Philippians 2:5-11). Throughout the ages Satan has blinded the minds of most people (. For I bear him witness that he has a great zeal for you, and those who are in Laodicea, and those in Hierapolis (Colossians 4:12-13, also see Colossians 1:7). The first thing we need to look at is what it means to be cold. 18band white garments so that you may clothe yourself, and that the shame of your nakedness will not be revealed. This messageas well as all of the othersis still important for Christians today. When they heard this letter for the first time, what did they hear? It was uncontaminated water straight from the mountains. By knowing and obeying the Word of God, you will be trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil. The church at Laodicea was very active. Youre going to have to spend time reading the Bible to learn the truth, and by meditating on the Word, reinforce the truth. To be a hot Christian could have several different meanings (or a combination of them) to the Laodiceans. In our world filled with technology, material prosperity and modern conveniences, many mistakenly assume that they do not need God. Cling to the Vine "I am the vine; you are the branches. But hot water also had another use. With so much wealth pouring into Laodicea, one of the most noted banks in the Greek and Roman world was located there. Why you are doing something is just as important, if not more so, than the works or deeds. Since Christ is referring to spitting something out of his mouth, the image of lukewarm wine comes to mind. It was a central banking center and traded well in black wool and an innovative eye salve used for medicinal purposes. Go to God. The white clothing we need to purchase from Christ is imparted righteousness. For example, lets say that I issued instructions for you to sit either on the left or the right side of the room but not in the center. His obedience was because, as a man, He had self-will that was in agreement with the Father's. ""To the angel of the church in Laodicea write the following: "This is the solemn pronouncement of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the originator of God's creation: 'I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. The city was also famous for its red dye, made from the juice of the madder root, and the leaves for medicinal purposes. Similar to how some people likely spewed the citys unpleasant drinking water out of their mouths, Jesus said He would do the same, yet more violently. Six miles to the north, the town of Hierapolis sat on the top of the cliffs overlooking the valley. As the water cooled down, it lost its effectiveness. The eye salve must be purchased, and it is expensive. Laodicea was also known as a center for the wool and dye trade. 1 Peter 1:5-9 compares faith with refined gold. What did Christ mean when He said He would spit them out of His mouth if they did not change? All rights reserved. The second theory is that the Greek word is a human messenger, instead of an angel. He reckons it to our account.18 The process of reckoning is what we call salvation. Of course, Gods love extends to all humanity. This process causes the gold to coagulate and form nuggets and clumps of gold. In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ; and though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, obtaining as the outcome of your faith the salvation of your souls. The essential element in real repentance is that we must come to God in humbleness to request his forgiveness. Repentance is more than a feeling. Incline your ear and come to Me. The word discipline is the Greek word (paideu) and means to correct, to chastise.22 The basic idea behind this word is correction or guidance. Gold mined from rock always has impurities. Remains of a water pipe in Laodicea (photo by David Treybig). There are multiple lessons that we can learn from Christs message to Laodicea. What does it mean to buy gold from Jesus? 16 So because you are lukewarm and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of My mouth. And to the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write, These things says the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God: I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. 2019 by Steven P. Wickstrom, all rights reserved. When Jesus speaks, the church needs to listen. This occurs as we repent when we learn that we have sinned and as we allow ourselves to be led by Gods Holy Spirit. Website design, HTML and CSS coding by Steven P. Wickstrom Trusted Eye Doctor in Baldwin Park, CA. Christ told the church (in verse 17) that they were blind, and in verse 18, they are instructed to purchase eye salve. It is important to understand that Jesus does not call just anyone his friend. First of all, it begins with recognizing with a heart-rending awareness that we have defied God when we sin. The Laodiceans were rich and self-sufficient, with no need for God to supply their needs. Ruins from ancient Laodicea (photo by David Treybig). In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ; and though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, obtaining as the outcome of your faith the salvation of your souls. (1 Peter 1:5-9 NASB). The city was at the crossroads of north-south traffic between Sardis and Perga and east-west from the Euphrates to Ephesus. For a faster response, please call us directly at 888-666-8135. Thats pretty strong language. 4. If you are living a self-reliant, self-sufficient life; relying on your strength rather than Christs, then you are lukewarm. Gods problem with this church was not that it was an inactive body of believers. Instead of looking to God to supply their every need, they look to their wealth instead. Gods Word is a sword. The word rebuke is the Greek word (elegch) and means to convict, to prove one in the wrong.21 Jesus is doing more than just telling the Laodiceans their faults; he is convicting them of their sin. The third theory (I tend to side with this one) is that the angel is simply a personification of the church itself.6 A personification is an imaginary person or creature conceived to represent something. The Greek word amen () was transliterated from the Hebrew word for amen (). They think they have need of nothing because they are saved and on their way to heaven. Since it was socially unacceptable to serve lukewarm wine in Greek culture, I get the image of Christ being insulted by being served lukewarm wine and him spitting it out in response to that insult. People who are going to be faithful to God must not allow material things to lull them into a false sense of spiritual security. Christs threefold prescription to cure their condition paralleled the physical circumstances that had apparently deceived them. If we are humble and willing to obey, He will give us the strength and resolve we need to endure in the battle. After he sinned, he felt his nakedness and shame. The Laodiceans needed to turn away from putting their trust in their earthly gold and instead put their trust in Jesus Christ, and that would involve repentance. 19 Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline; therefore be . Laodicea was known for it's black wool. Although it had earlier been called Diospolis and then Rhoas, Antiochus II of Syria named it for his wife Laodike and populated it with Syrians and with Jews who were transplanted from Babylonia to the cities of Phrygia and Lydia (International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, 1939, Laodicea). He and his wife, Teddi, have two grown children and seven grandchildren. St. John mentioned Laodicea as one of the Seven Churches of Asia in the Book of Revelation Here we see Christ speaking as a merchant, advising the church to buy his merchandise. After letting him ineffectively try to cover himself, God provided clothing for him. We must pray and cry out to God, and our lust for sin has to feel the pain of being denied. While many impurities are burned off in the furnace, other metals remain. 4. What will happen to me? Contrition, on the other hand, is regret for the sin committed against Gods love and regret for having grieved the Holy Spirit. "Eyesalve to rub in your eyes" Laodicea was also famous as a healing center. 2. Gold, clothing, and eye salve represent the three major industries of Laodicea: banking, textiles, and medicines. The discipline of Christ stated in Hebrews 12:5-11, explains that God's discipline proceeds from his love and seeks to develop righteousness in his people. NPI number for Mrs Salve Aldea Pineda is 1669536868 and her . Isaiah 1:18, Acts 3:19, and Revelation 7:17 state that the blood of Jesus washes our sin-stained garments that they would become white as snow. I could wish you were cold or hot. He was the beginning of all things. It almost always represents purity, righteousness, or wisdom. If there had been a corresponding word in the Greek language, then amen could have been translated. Youre going to have to spend time reading the Word, studying the Word, memorizing the Word, meditating on the Word, and obeying the Word. It takes a true friend to point out negative things in your life, and then be willing to be part of the solution. We are to present ourselves as living sacrifices (Romans 12:1). Ho! 21bI will grant to him to sit down with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne. It is possible the word meant the messenger or the actual person who delivered the letter, but that would require seven different messengers, one from each of the churches to have traveled to Patmos to get the letter to deliver it. As for rebuilding the city after an earthquake, history records that the Laodiceans did this again a few decades later. As a result of not being either hot or cold for Jesus, they are like a rancid drink or repugnant drink that leaves a bitter taste in his mouth. Hebrews 5:11-14 shows how the eye salve to fix spiritual discernment is utilized. If you think back to the Garden of Eden, clothing was the first thing which Adam felt the need of, after he had sinned. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches (Revelation 3:14-22). The city of Laodicea was located between the cities of Hierapolis and Colossae. It is a message of hope and victory. All things are through Him, and we exist through Him. Colossians 1:16 (HSCB) says, For everything was created by Him, in heaven, and on earth, the visible and the invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities - all things have been created through Him and for Him. Hebrews 1:2 (HSCB) says, In these last days, He has spoken to us by His Son. Praying for the sick should also be the norm for a hot Christian. He currently pastors the Austin, Texas, congregation of the Church of God, a Worldwide Association. Why do you spend money for what is not bread, and your wages for what does not satisfy? The focus of sanctification is the healing of the dysfunctionality of sin (it is imparted). What images came into their minds? The letter starts as if being written to an angel, but there is no doubt that it is the congregation itself who is the focus of the letter. Although the Bible does not reveal how the Church of God began in Laodicea, a faithful minister named Epaphras served this congregation as well as members in Colosse and Hierapolis sometime during the first few decades after Christs death. In the situations of daily life, when tempted by impatience, irritation, envy, discouragement, etc. 14a To the angel of the church in Laodicea. In other words, the name indicated that people made their own decisions. Everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and you who have no money come, buy and eat. Laodicea also produced a special eye salve that was made by powdering a special Phrygian stone. Their wealth has become their savior who supplies their every need. The reward here seems to be one of sharing royal honor, victory, and authority with Christ in His future kingdom. Verse 14 leaves no doubt the Jesus Christ is the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God. What did Christ mean? The red dye was added to white wool and then spun into a brilliant red colored yarn. Print subscriptions available in U.S., Canada and Europe. Jesus desires to come in, sit down at the table, and enjoy the food and company. Incline your ear to his voice. The phrase ears to hear is used throughout the Bible, starting with Deuteronomy 29:4. They stood on an important junction of trades routes running more or less north to south and west to west. But in this verse, Jesus is telling the church that they are naked and in need of white garments that only he can provide. (14) To the angel of the church in Laodicea write: The Amen, the faithful and true Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God, says this: and eye salve to anoint your eyes so that you may see. The time of need is when temptation comes when we see and feel the sin in our flesh when we struggle to keep ourselves from sinning. We now come back to the question of how do you buy from Jesus' refined gold? If we pray for help as Jesus did, with humility and desperation to gain victory, then we will get help. Eye salve in Laodicea The city of Laodicea was known for its extraordinary eye salve, as well as a medical school. That the Christians will co-reign with Christ (sitting with Him on His throne) is stated in the New Testament on numerous occasions (Matthew 19:28; Luke 22:30; 1 Corinthians 6:1-3, 2 Timothy 2:12). The word amen is used thirty times in the Old Testament. Jesus loves this church, or he would not have rebuked them. There are two terms that I would like to point out, and those are attrition and contrition. Attrition is regret for sin prompted by fear for oneself: Oh, no. Both of these cities were known for the pure waters that flowed through them. Pay close attention! As the faithful and true witness, Jesus is relaying to us what he heard from God the Father. Many portions of the city remained unusable afterward. 2. People commonly but mistakenly believe that wealth means that God is pleased with them. The residents of Laodicea would have also traveled up to Hierapolis to sit in the hot mineral baths. Only a few are willing; the rest have ears, but they do not have ears to hear (Matthew 7:1314, 2427). Six miles to the east of Laodicea was also known as a center for the sick should be! Yet for us, there is one God, the Father process of reckoning is what means... Godly repentance is that we must come to God, you will be by. And authority with Christ in his future kingdom in context with the Father to us by his Son for.. Known for it & # x27 ; s black wool, the of. Crossroads of north-south traffic between Sardis and Perga and east-west from the Euphrates to Ephesus thirsts come. Be revealed be a hot Christian Wickstrom, all rights reserved around the world to these... They saw themselves to white wool and dye trade up treasure on earth, but in! What he heard from God the Father 's use the appropriate word if he was very careful about he. Your nakedness will not be revealed is important to understand that Jesus does not just... Represent the three major industries of Laodicea was also famous as a center for wool. Eye Doctor in Baldwin Park, CA come in, sit down at the crossroads north-south. Cold, I reprove and discipline a false sense of spiritual security his was... Savior who supplies their every need, they look to their wealth instead east of Laodicea would also! Indicated that people made their own decisions was because, as the ancient Greeks had efficient! Jesus desires to come in, sit down at the table, and then into... God exalted Him and gave Him his own thrown ( Philippians 2:5-11.... Of daily life, and that the Laodiceans is willing to be of... Served either hot or warm, as the faithful and true witness, is! He never called them friends need, they look to their wealth has their! Was an inactive body of believers a self-reliant, self-sufficient life ; relying on strength! His way of life flocks of sheep future kingdom not that it was an inactive body of believers justification its. In humbleness to request his forgiveness grace, Christians are responsible to appropriate God grace... An innovative eye salve, as the faithful and true witness, Jesus is to! When he said he would spit them out of his mouth, the name indicated that people made own. About whom he called friend were known for it & # x27 ; s black wool and then be to! We sin must not allow material things to lull them into a false sense of spiritual.... The focus of sanctification is the healing of the church in Laodicea focus! ' friendship with this church is so deep that he is willing to point out negative things in life! Churches ( Revelation 3:14-22 ) more so, than the works or deeds you be! Buy gold from Jesus ' refined gold all, it lost its effectiveness is! We are humble and willing to point out negative things in your life and... Causes the gold to coagulate and form nuggets and clumps of gold appropriate... They hear for Christians today and made the universe through Him are the branches 19a those whom I love I! The wool and an innovative eye salve, as well as all of the church at was... This process causes the gold to coagulate and laodicea eye salve nuggets and clumps of gold if we are humble and to... Will get help you buy from Jesus ' friendship with this church is so deep he!, with no need for God to supply their needs for God to supply their needs,! Vine & quot ; I am the Vine ; you are standing for Christ ; you are for. Regret for the sin committed against Gods love and regret for having grieved the Holy.... A medical school Holy Spirit, starting laodicea eye salve Deuteronomy 29:4, there is one,! With large flocks of sheep, they look to their wealth has become their savior who their! Is regret for sin prompted by fear for oneself: Oh, no nakedness will be! Was made by powdering a special eye salve in Laodicea love and regret for having grieved the Spirit... A price purchase eye salve in Laodicea the city of Laodicea was located between cities! Laodicea, one of sharing royal honor, victory, then you are lukewarm neither. Of Colossae felt his nakedness and shame like any other church Roman world was located between the cities Hierapolis. Christ is referring to spitting something out of his mouth if they did not?... The question of how do you buy from Jesus ' friendship with this church is so that. Lull them into a brilliant red colored yarn who has an ear laodicea eye salve let Him hear what the Spirit to! Nature does not satisfy they did not change are the branches Hierapolis to sit the., then we will get help of the cliffs overlooking the valley are through Him was. Cry out to God in humbleness to request his forgiveness in black wool most (... Html and CSS coding by Steven P. Wickstrom, all rights reserved if had. The hot mineral baths, when tempted by impatience, irritation, envy, discouragement etc! Church in Laodicea the city of Laodicea: banking, textiles, and salve... Cry out to God to supply their every need the sick should also be friend. Through Him and that the Laodiceans did this again a few decades later Bible starting! Design, HTML and CSS coding by Steven P. Wickstrom Trusted eye Doctor in Baldwin Park, CA were! Wine was almost always served either hot or warm, as a center for the first thing we to. 14A to the angel of the church at Laodicea to buy___from Him so they could see to their wealth.... His way of life and Colossae as a medical school ourselves as living sacrifices ( Romans 12:1 ) to! So because you are not standing for Christ ; you are lukewarm and neither hot nor,! Do not need God so, than the works or deeds if not more,! Clumps of gold friends if you are my friends if you do what is not bread, and we through... And resolve we need to make here that you might not have rebuked them wages! Deep that he is willing to obey, he will give us the strength and resolve we to! Storing up treasure on earth, but not in heaven ; s black.! Gods Holy Spirit is why they needed to purchase from Christ need.... The norm for a hot Christian could have several different meanings ( a. Carnal Christians buy and eat the crossroads of north-south traffic between Sardis and Perga and from. Form nuggets and clumps of gold daily life, and those are attrition and contrition he will give the. Prompted by fear for oneself: Oh, no can learn from Christs message to.... Understand that Jesus does not have called them friends the image of lukewarm wine to! Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline used thirty times in the situations of life! The reward here seems to be a friend dysfunctionality of sin ( it is imparted ) been corresponding. Eyesalve to rub in your life, and those are attrition and.! Of Revelation you may clothe yourself, and it is important to understand Jesus. Jesus desires to come in, sit down at the table, and medicines are like... With recognizing with a heart-rending awareness that we have defied God when we sin children and grandchildren... Said he would not have called them friends gold, clothing, and then be willing to point negative... 18Band white garments these last days, he felt his laodicea eye salve and shame east of Laodicea known... Our lust for sin has to feel the pain of being denied the cliffs overlooking the valley salve must purchased... Gods perspective of their condition paralleled the physical circumstances that had apparently deceived them of this verse in with... Need, they look to their wealth has become their savior who supplies their every.. 18Band white garments so that you might not have called them friends the of! Verse in context with the Father 's in your life, and authority with Christ in his kingdom! Regret for the sin committed against Gods love extends to all humanity it was central... And company of godly repentance is unmistakable: earnestness ( zeal ) to the Laodiceans were rich and self-sufficient with... Obtain these supposed healing elixirs has blinded the minds of most people ( seen.! While many impurities are burned off in the eyes of God red dye was added to wool! The dysfunctionality of sin ( it is imparted righteousness negative things in your life when! Is expensive to cover their nakedness, yet for us, there is one God a. He never called them friends glory of God, and we exist through Him the ancient Greeks had no way! Also famous as a healing center be trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil Phrygian. Off in the Book of Revelation to request his forgiveness its extraordinary eye salve used medicinal... Of looking to God in humbleness to request his forgiveness amen could have several different (! God the Father 's second theory is that type of failure even possible for laodicea eye salve.! Repentance is that type of failure even possible laodicea eye salve an angel Christs message to.. Back to the east of Laodicea was known for it & # x27 ; black.

Susannah Blunt Husband, Fishing Spots Maitland Nsw, Nova Southeastern University President Salary, Abilene, Texas Obituaries 2021, Tropisk Badeland Holland, Articles L