In Christian theology, propitiation is a fundamental concept that refers to the act of satisfying divine justice and reconciling humanity to God. The term "hilasmos" is often used to describe this idea, which emphasises that God's wrath towards human sin has been appeased through the death of Jesus Christ on the cross.
The phrase "overcomes the spirit of passivity" suggests that the concept of propitiation has practical implications for how we live our lives. By acknowledging the seriousness of our sin and recognising the sacrifice of Jesus on our behalf, we are spurred to action. This is because, in light of God's mercy and grace, we are called to live lives of gratitude and obedience, rather than passivity and indifference.
In the context of the Laodicean church, this message of propitiation would have been particularly relevant. The church was rebuked by Jesus for their lukewarm faith and indifference towards spiritual matters. However, by embracing the concept of propitiation and living in light of its implications, the Laodicean believers could overcome their passivity and live out a vibrant, active faith.
Overall, the idea of propitiation is a central and powerful concept in Christian theology, with both spiritual and practical implications for how we live our lives.
City of Laodicea: The no-signboard ecclesia, the MVP wildcard and the good samaritan on the road from Jericho who binds up the traumata (Luke 10:34) of the wounded and goes out on a limb to rescue you from the abyss and plucks the vulnerable as a brand “plucked from the fire…” (Zec 3:2)
Modal excellence of Divine Intervention: Divine loss protection by a heavenly bodyguard for the Messiah who were tested at the Cross in their silence and inaction when in fact the temptation to intervene far outweighed the ability to resist. But it was not for angels to disrupt the most holy sacrifice but to allow the plan of God to be executed accordingly.
DNA of Hilasmon (”propitiation”): The one who propitiates cannot say “no” to a legitimate request for help giving what is in hand and not withholding when it is in in the power to redeem what is on the verge of disaster or to bring back what is about to be extinguished. This is the archetype of intervention that stands between the living and the dead and intercedes on behalf of the perishing and dying.
Ecclesial archetype of the Eleeos: “Each of you has a psalm” (1 Cor 14:26) that ignites the flame of divine intervention reversing Hermon and the domino effect even before the consequences can be felt. This is the eleemosynary genius that feels the pain where the need is the call, to bring resolution to conflict to restore equilibrium through divine intervention.
Natural endowment of agape love: An aspect at the leadership core that “the well is deep and we have nothing to draw with” describes exactly the situation when there are no words to express the abiding presence of God’s love that perfects, corrects and directs us to “go and sin no more” - setting the standard for radical discipleship whenever we lay down our lives for others.
Eleemosynary genius: “…and give my body to be burned” (1 Cor 13) the one who releases true psycho-spiritual understanding of how sacrifice for the big win produces far greater results than retaliation, not merely non-violence bu advancing the Kingdom in hearts and mind through laying down of one’s rights.
Blindspot of King David overcome: Many instances in the life of David that reveal the gaps, incursions and breaches in Israel when her officers let down their guard through passivity and lukewarmness. When the gift gets in the way of what God intends showing mercy to those who merit judgment, bending when rigidity is required, turning a blind eye and deaf ear when what is needed is discernment and discipline.
The City of Laodicea, also known as the no-signboard ecclesia, serves as a strong representation of those willing to take a stand for the greater good. Much like the Good Samaritan in the biblical account of Luke 10:34, the city and its inhabitants demonstrate a commitment to helping those in need, even in the face of adversity. This commitment is further exemplified in the city's willingness to rescue the vulnerable and those on the brink of disaster, much like a brand being plucked from the fire.