CHURCH AT THYATIRA

 

CHURCH AT THYATIRA Continuing the Study of Revelation REVELATION 2.18  “To the angel of the assembly in Thyatira write: “The Son of God, who has his eyes like a flame of fire, and his feet are like burnished brass, says these things: 2.19  “I know your works, your love, faith, service, patient endurance, and that your last works are more than the first. 2.20  But I have this against you, that you tolerate that woman, Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess. She teaches and seduces my servants to commit sexual immorality, and to eat things sacrificed to idols. 2.21  I gave her time to repent, but she refuses to repent of her sexual immorality. 2.22  Behold, I will throw her into a bed, and those who commit adultery with her into great oppression, unless they repent of her works. 2.23  I will kill her children, and all the assemblies will know that I am he who searches the minds and hearts. I will give to each one of you according to your deeds. 2.24  But to you I say, to the rest who are in Thyatira, as many as don’t have this teaching, who don’t know what some call ‘the deep things of Satan,’ to you I say, I am not putting any other burden on you. 2.25  Nevertheless, hold that which you have firmly until I come. Most of the Christians in the church at Thyatira are doing very well and Jesus heartily commends them. However, there’s a woman who has set herself up as a prophetess and is unashamedly leading people into sexual immorality. Why is sexual immorality a persistent problem in so many churches? We can all name churches where the pastor or staff members really messed up their lives and wounded their church congregation because of a sex scandal. The difference in Thyatira is significant though: this false prophetess has fooled people into thinking that what they’re doing is not sinful. Jesus firmly denounces the prophetess and declares that he himself will punish her, her children and her followers for their blatant debauchery. THE REWARDS FOR THYATIRA REVELATION 2.26  He who overcomes, and he who keeps my works to the end, to him I will give authority over the nations. 2.27  He will rule them with a rod of iron, shattering them like clay pots; as I also have received of my Father: 2.28  and I will give him the morning star. 2.29  He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the assemblies.  -WEB Bible Jesus understands that it’s hard for the faithful to carry on when there are serious sins within a church. Jesus assures them that there will be no such nonsense in his coming Kingdom.    The description of an “iron rod” indicates power and authority, as well as severe punishment. There will be no tolerance for those who would corrupt the coming Kingdom of the Lord Jesus Christ. From Thyatira we learn that the Lord’s Kingdom will rule in righteousness. The “morning star” (or Daystar) is a reference to Christ Himself. This term is seldom used in the Bible and is somewhat mysterious. But in the context of Thyatira, the phrase refers to a special relationship with Christ, where the Christians are being prepared to rule with Him. Even in troubled churches we can learn leadership principles, even if it’s by bad example! IMAGE CREDITS: Images for Thyatira were generated by SeaArt.ai and edited by C.A. Stevens. This study in Revelation will continue on Fridays.