Today was an
opportunity to get to 3 more of the 7 churches of the Revelation…bringing us to
a total of 5 already (and so early in the pilgrimage, too!) Our focus today was on Philippians 1:21-26,
with Paul’s realization that faithfulness is being able to rejoice in what God
is doing in others.
The first church,
Thyatira, (in modern-day city Akhisar) was addressed in Rev 2:18-29. John implores this church to clean up their
act, as it were, and maintain their Christian distinctiveness, for it is in our
faith and authentic life/culture that distinction is found! Little of the physical church may remain
through the ruins, but the message of living for something greater than us
certainly is!
Sardis receives its
message from John in Rev 3:1-6; persist in faith and all promises will be kept
to you. Focus on faith and move forward – anything else is a distraction. The success of this well-fortified city can
be seen in the extensive restoration that has been done in modern-times,
preserving many of the such as a gymnasium and synagogue. It was fascinating to see and learn about
this community that was still thriving and bustling through about the 3rd
century.
Our final visit of the
day was to Philadelphia – yep the city of brotherly love – only we are not
talking about PA, USA. This Philadelphia
in Asia Minor (today it is known as Alasehir, Turkey) was originally a military
outpost that evolved into a city, thanks to Alexander the Great and the many
vineyards that come so naturally to the region.
There isn’t much left today of the entire city, but the message in Rev
3:7-13 to the church of Philadelphia (sometimes referred to as “New Jerusalem”
or “second coming”) makes it clear that
hope for a new beginning can be had by maintaining faith when everything in the
world seems to be falling apart.
Messages that transcend time, geography and cultures – we are a hopeful,
faithful group indeed.
As this is being
typed, the pilgrims are enjoying an evening at Pamukkale, a region in Turkey
noted for its healing waters. The
adventures, insights, learnings and fun never stop, but it is nice sometimes to
take an evening to let it all soak in, and if there are thermal pools to help
aid in that soaking…well…we say, bring it on!.
We naturally took lots
of great photos, check them HERE and don’t forget to go to our page on Facebook
for even more shots of the group.
Wow! Jan, what a wonderfully meaningful pilgrimage. Sounds like a once in a lifetime adventure.I hope someday I can participate in one too. Take Care.
ReplyDeleteBeth