<aside> <img src="https://prod-files-secure.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/49de0235-e8bc-4eca-bf20-2a9d6d267a02/d8f41fb8-fddd-4704-b3b4-1c9081e9ad82/IMAGE_2024-02-23_213600.jpg" alt="https://prod-files-secure.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/49de0235-e8bc-4eca-bf20-2a9d6d267a02/d8f41fb8-fddd-4704-b3b4-1c9081e9ad82/IMAGE_2024-02-23_213600.jpg" width="40px" /> Laodicea, an ancient first century city located in modern day Turkey, was known for its wealth, which came from its banking industry, and the production of black wool and eye-salve. It was one of the seven cities mentioned in the Book of Revelation, making it a significant site in early Christianity.
The Church of Laodicea is depicted as an interventionist, acting as a mediator between the living and the dying. It is characterized by divine intervention, restoring equilibrium and justice where needed. It is also associated with sacrifice for greater good, embodying the concept of laying down one's rights for the advancement of the Kingdom. However, it has a blind spot, seen in instances from the life of David, where passivity and lukewarmness lead to breaches in the kingdom.
In the context of the seven-fold City of faith in Revelation 2 - 3, Laodicea is the seventh city, represented by the guardian angel Hilasmon. This angel demonstrates zeal with knowledge and the essence of true manhood through self-sacrifice and a laying down of oneself for the sake of the brethren. The city's narrative is marked by a call to the Laodicean church to be zealous and repent, highlighting a theme of transformation and the need for a proactive, self-giving love in the face of complacency.
Linking this to the concept of the eleemosynary genius of the "heart", Laodicea's narrative can be seen as a call to the Laodicean church to be zealous and repent, highlighting a theme of transformation and the need for a proactive, self-giving love in the face of complacency. The eleemosynary genius, in this context, is a person who possesses an exceptional capacity to feel the pain of others and to respond with effective, often creative, forms of assistance. This genius is not passive in their empathy, but actively works to alleviate suffering and to bring about positive change. Therefore, the eleemosynary genius of the "heart" is a key player in the narrative of Laodicea, driving the city's transformation and renewal through a deep, empathetic engagement with the needs of the community.
Laodicea is the seventh city with the seven-fold City of faith where the guardian angel Hilasmon demonstrates through zeal with knowledge the essence of true manhood through self-sacrifice and a laying down of oneself for the sake of the brethren. Here is the most valuable player whose often enigmatic actions cannot be fully understood until the matter comes to light in terms of altruistic and self-less generosity for the common good. Here is the eleemosynary genius who feels the pain and responds accordingly to stanch the bleeding and calm all fears.
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[seventh] - in a sequence of discreet gifts in Romans 12:6-8 given by Abba Father reflecting the genius of heaven in distributing to mankind the ability to create wealth and become master of his or her own destiny. The specific gift in this sequence is the ability to rescue or deliver from sin, to expel weakness from the body - man of peace, interventionist. Each offering or sacrifice was made of the blood of bulls or goats, lambs or birds depending on the occasion and purpose. Worshipers might draw near in holy communion to ask for forgiveness, give thanks for answered prayer, or for any number of personal reasons. Each offering is a meal, offered up as a song of praise together with the smoke rising upward in reverent awe and appropriate expectation of an answer. Without the shedding of blood there is no remission of sin. The full significance of the altar of whole burnt sacrifice will be seen only in the atoning sacrifice of Christ on the cross and the subsequent release of mercy and forgiveness. It is here that we experience God’s love and learn to pass it on.
[Hilasmon] - an angelic figure that plays a crucial role in the timing and execution of redemptive acts that are meant to bring salvation to mankind, the archetype of intervention that stands between the living and the dead and intercedes on behalf of the perishing and dying, who responds to pain and suffering with altruism and selfless generosity for the common good.
[true manhood] - is not just about reaching a certain age or status, but about striving to reach our full potential and making a positive impact in the world.
[most valuable player] - often used in sports to refer to a player who is of great value to their team, often the best performer or the one who contributes the most to the team's success. The MVP is not just a top scorer, but also a team player who brings out the best in their teammates, demonstrates leadership, and can be relied on in crucial moments. Therefore, an MVP is someone who excels both individually and as a team player, and whose actions and decisions can significantly impact the outcome of a game or a season.
[altruistic and self-less] - refers to the act of helping others without seeking any personal gain. It's a rare quality in today's world, where many people are focused on their own personal gain. However, those with an eleemosynary mindset understand the importance of giving back to others and making a difference in the world. They are truly the unsung heroes of our society, always ready and willing to lend a helping hand when it is needed the most.
[common good] - refers to the benefits or interests of all participants in a community or society. It's a concept that's often used in the fields of philosophy, ethics, and political science to discuss the ways in which the well-being of the community as a whole can be improved. The common good is not just about the sum of individual interests, but also about creating conditions that allow people to flourish and lead fulfilling lives. This can include a wide range of factors, such as economic stability, social justice, environmental sustainability, and cultural enrichment. Therefore, actions or policies that are in the interest of the common good are those that contribute to the overall health, vitality, and well-being of the community, and that enable all members of the community to lead meaningful and satisfying lives.
[eleemosynary genius] - refers to a person's innate ability to effectively address and manage needs, difficulties, or deficiencies in people, systems, or situations. This capability is not just about having empathy, but also involves a proactive drive to rescue, rebuild, or improve what is broken or lacking. The eleemosynary genius is a masterful interventionist, capable of taking decisive action to alleviate pain, suffering, or instability. This term is derived from the concept of eleemosynary, which relates to charity, and the idea of genius, which in this context refers to an exceptional natural capacity of intellect, particularly as shown in creative and original work in science, art, music, etc. Therefore, an eleemosynary genius is someone who combines their exceptional capabilities with a charitable drive to make a significant and positive impact in the world.
