“Kansas girl rides ‘Laodicean’ to National Spelling Bee victory”
According to USA Today, 13 year old Kavya Shivashankar won the national Spelling Bee championship by correctly spelling the word Laodicean. Several news reports say the word means lukewarm or indifferent in religion or politics, but they fail to mention that the concept comes from the Bible.
Laodicea was one of three cities of the Lycus River Valley in Asia Minor (Colossians 2:1; 4:15-16). Today this area is in Turkey. Toward the end of the first century the book of Revelation was distributed to several churches of Asia (Revelation 1:11).
The water of Laodicea came from hot springs immediately south of the city. By the time the water reached Laodicea it was lukewarm. Jesus described the church as being like the water supply of the city.
I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot; I would that you were cold or hot. 16 ‘So because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of My mouth. (Revelation 3:15-16 NAS)
This photo shows part of the water distribution tower at ancient Laodicea. Mount Cadmus is seen in the distance.
Ruins of the water distribution tower at Laodicea. Photo by Ferrell Jenkins.
We might also define Laodicean as a member of the body of Christ in the city of Laodicea. Or, simply, a citizen in the city of Laodicea.
HT: Olen, Harriet
4 responses so far ↓
jandpsdad // May 30, 2009 at 8:10 am
This story reminds me of my high school days when I was a border line Academic Bowl candidate. I made the team because of Bible class. I had heard of Josephus during Bible class and was the only kid who knew of him.
Thanks so much for your continuing posts and good thoughts.
Mark Russell
robertd772 // May 31, 2009 at 7:01 am
Thanks Ferrell. It’s amazing how much of our culture comes from the Bible, yet most people in the secular world don’t even realize it (nor wish to acknowledge it if they do).
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