A lesson from Thyatira

And unto the angel of the church in Thyatira write; These things saith the Son of God, who hath his eyes like unto a flame of fire, and his feet are like fine brass; I know thy works, and charity, and service, and faith, and thy patience, and thy works; and the last to be more than the first. Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols. And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not. Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds. And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works.  But unto you I say, and unto the rest in Thyatira, as many as have not this doctrine, and which have not known the depths of Satan, as they speak; I will put upon you none other burden. But that which ye have already hold fast till I come. And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations: And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of my Father. And I will give him the morning star. – Revelation 2.18-28

The church at Thyatira was also split. Jesus says to the church:

I know your works
I know your love
I know your service
I know your patience
I know that your works are always increasing

It looks like they are doing it all right. They look like they have it nailed. I wish all of these things could be said about me. What more can you ask than a working, loving, serving, and patient church?

But there was a problem. The church tolerated the teachings of a woman so vile that Jesus himself calls her Jezebel. It seems that we live in a day when the true church is being testing. As our cultures turn from any sense of decency and morality we need to beware that we don’t follow them in a deadly downward spiral.

God however tells the church that he is going to deal with this woman. Despite her opposition Jesus says to those who are faithful and true that they are staying working and hold fast to the truth.

No matter what ‘everybody’ else does we are to hold fast and keep serving God. Stay true, keep it up, don’t give in, and Jesus promises us that we will reign with Him.