Thyatira

Rev. 2:29

He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.

In this letter the words are identified as those of the very Son of God, who has eyes like a flame of fire and feet like burnished bronze [definitely descriptors of judgment]. Though on a very positive note, this letter begins with praise for their love, faith, service, and patient endurance, and that their latter works are greater than the first. But then comes the 'But'! Some in this church tolerate Jezebel, a prophetess who is seducing His servants into sexual immorality and idolatry. She has had time to repent, but refuses. Sad! What is the judgment? Christ will throw her on a sick bed [perhaps STD's, HIV, or Aids], and those who continue with her will be thrown into great tribulation unless they repent and desist. If not, He will strike her children dead. Then it will be abundantly clear that Christ searches the mind and heart and that judgment will be given according to their deeds. Straightforward but so scary! It is amazing to me to find such polar opposites in this church, those who are godly and those who are evil. But there is good news for some! For those who do not hold to these deeper things of Satan, He will add not any burden. Only hold fast what you have until I come. If they can keep His word until the end, they will be conquerors who will have authority over the nations when He rules with a rod of iron with the authority given Him by the Father. He has given them a hope and a future. And then the cryptic closing: He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. Who will listen? Will any turn back from the wickedness? Only the Son knows.

Father,

What an devastating letter! Help me to hold fast and to be ready when Jesus comes. 

In the name of the Son,

Amen