Shepherd and flock, outside of Laodikeia, Türkiye.
I shot this photo hanging out the window and thinking about the ancient message to the church of the area. In the first century, Laodikeia was famous for its textile production (among other things). Glossy, black, and soft fleece tunics from here were coveted around the Mediterranean world. (These outer wraps were nicknamed trimata, suggesting either "three-shades" or "three knits." Laodikeia itself was even known as Trimataria or "trimata-town"!).
Not surprisingly, John of Patmos declared that the Laodikeians were not as well-covered as they thought themselves to be. He urged them to reconsider the source of their wealth and to trade in their iconic black shells for "white garments" (Gk, himatia). Read the critique for yourself in Revelation 3:14-22.
Interested in reading the Bible with fresh eyes? See biblical Türkiye and the ruins of Laodikea. We are headed back there this summer! For details, follow this link to the brochure.