“Anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see” (Rev. 3:18 NKJ).
These are the words of the Lord Jesus addressed to the Laodicean church. Laodicea was world famous during Bible days for its manufacture of an eye powder, which could cure weak eyes.
Workmen would make cylindrical tubes of this substance in a form called collyrium. It was in great demand as an export item. One medical writer listed five different kinds of eye trouble that was helped by application of the Laodicean eye powder or eye salve.
There is such a thing as the eyes of the soul. Laodicea could cure defects of physical sight and yet be blinded to spiritual insights. David prayed when reading the Word of God for the ability to see the truths that were in the scriptures (Ps. 119:18).
Elisha prayed for the Lord to open the eyes of his servant who was frightened by a pursuing host coming to capture him and the prophet of God. Second Kings 6:17 tells us that the young man’s eyes were opened and he saw the mountain full of angelic protection.
The regular word for anoint is chrio (khree’-o) meaning “smearing, rubbing or superficially touching a surface lightly with a substance such as oil.”
In this verse, John compounds the word making it egchrio (eng-khree’-o) which is more thorough than chrio. The Lord is thus saying that instead of merely going over the surface lightly, we are to rub carefully and deeply: “Do a thorough job of rubbing in the ointment or eye salve of truth,” He tells us, “so you will have lasting results!”
Excerpt permission granted by Harrison House Publishers
Dick Mills was ordained at The International Church of the Foursquare Gospel in 1949. He and his wife Betty traveled as evangelists all over the United States, Canada, Mexico, Latin America, Europe, and Australia. Dick and Betty are now home in heaven.
In 1966 Dick and Betty became a part of the then-emerging Charismatic Renewal. Passing through all denominational barriers, Dick has had the opportunity to speak in thousands of churches of varied backgrounds all over the world.
He ministered within several Christian organizations, including the Full Gospel Business Men, Women's Aglow, Inter-church Renewal Catholic Pentecostals, mainline Charismatic groups, CBN and TBN television networks, and many other independent Christian TV stations.
Dick appeared on numerous radio talk shows, written several magazine articles, and spoke at many Bible conferences and universities. He served as an adjunct professor at six Schools of the Bible and Seminaries.
In addition, Dick authored and co-authored several books and tapes. Dick's ministry was characterized by the unique gifts God has blessed him with. His services informed, enlightened, and motivated people to a higher level of commitment to God.