You
say, 'I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.' But
you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and
naked. I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can
become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful
nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see.
//These words were spoken by Jesus (as attested by John of Patmos) to the
city of Laodicea. Go get some white clothes and working eye salve.
It’s
fascinating to study the seven letters in Revelation, and how they fit
within the historical setting of the times. Consider this example, the
instruction given to Laodicea, a city grown rich through trade, located
handily on a popular trade route. They had apparently become quite
independent.
One
of the items offered by Laodicea was a popular Phrygian eye powder. The
town boasted a medical practice which lured people from far and wide.
In particular, Laodicea specialized in ophthalmology, the healing of the
eyes.
Another
thing they were known for was a unique breed of black sheep whose wool
was especially fine. This seems to have sparked a local fashion.
So what does Jesus say? Get off your high horse, you ain’t rich at all. Find some real eye salve so you can see what miserable creatures you are, and dress yourselves in white wool … not black.
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