Yesterday, we talked about the ancient city of Laodicea and how, though it was a center of trade and commerce, it didn’t have any clean water. We also learned that Colossae, to the north, was home to a crisp and rejuvenating mountain spring that was a source of refreshing to the inhabitants of the region. Today, I want to talk about yet another place that provided hydration for the Laodiceans, and how it gives us greater understanding of Jesus’ letter to the church there. Called Hierapolis, this ancient town was located on hot springs just four miles to the south. Today, it’s in the region of Pamukkale in Turkey, and its bubbly-white, mineral-rich water still draws visitors. In fact, for centuries, people would spend time there when they needed rest, healing, or restoration, and physicians would instruct patients to get into the water if they had skin conditions or other ailments. Because it was so well known, I’m convinced that when Jesus told the church in Laodicea that they were neither hot nor cold, He was referring to the fact that they were not warm and healing like Pamukkale, nor were they cold and refreshing like Colossae. Instead, they were lukewarm, like the gritty water of their hometown, and this meant that their faith wasn’t bearing fruit.

My friend, God has called you to be a healing Christian. Like the relaxing waters of Hierapolis, He has filled you with so much life and goodness that it bubbles up and flows over from the wellspring of your heart. As you remain rooted in love and radiate the light of your Savior, the Holy Spirit saturates you with a power that supernaturally heals people. By walking in Christ’s easy rhythms of grace and allowing Him to nourish your soul, your presence effortlessly blesses, soothes, and restores the hearts of those around you.