Scripture Text: Revelation 2:18–29
I know your works — your love, faithfulness, service, and endurance. Your last works are greater than the first. But I have this against you: You tolerate the woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess and teaches and deceives My slaves to commit sexual immorality and to eat meat sacrificed to idols.
Revelation 2:19-20 (HCSB)
In recent years, debates have flared up over the limits of free speech. Should anyone be given a platform, no matter his views? Can someone attempt to silence a person whom she finds dangerous or threatening? Some observers condemn the students for their intellectual intolerance, while others argue that reprehensible ideas should not be tolerated.
Are there limits to tolerance? The Bible’s answer is yes. When it comes to the church, some practices should not be tolerated. The same is true for doctrine. False teaching should not be tolerated but must be rooted out. The church in Thyatira had permitted a false teacher who claimed to possess the gift of prophecy to mislead others. This had opened the door to both sinful practices and false teaching. Jesus nicknamed this false teacher “Jezebel,” after the wicked queen who killed the true prophets of Israel and enticed God’s people to worship Baal (v. 20)
The nature of Jezebel’s teaching was what Jesus had condemned in Pergamum. She claimed to reveal secret truth, enticing her followers to eat meat sacrificed to idols and to commit sexual immorality. God had “tolerated” her ministry for a time, but only in order to give her a chance to repent (v. 21). Now the time for patience was over.
Jesus promised to “cast her on a bed of suffering” and “strike her children dead” (vv. 22–23). To a culture that values tolerance, this response seems harsh. But Jesus understood the destructive nature of her teaching and the vulnerability of this church. The cultural environment in Thyatira was so toxic that the only command Jesus gave to those who had not yet succumbed to Jezebel’s false teaching was to “hold on” until His return (v. 25).
Reflect
1. Are there areas of your life where you might be compromising your devotion or integrity?
2. In what ways can you strengthen your commitment to following Christ through all circumstances?
3. What steps can you take to continue growing and deepening your relationship with God?
Remember
The passage addresses the church in Thyatira, commending their positive aspects such as love, faith, service, and perseverance. However, it also warns against tolerating false teachings and immoral practices.
Believers-followers of Christ should maintain a steadfast and faithful commitment to Him, avoiding compromise with values that contradict the teachings of the Gospel, and looking forward to the promised rewards for those who endure in their faith.
Read
1 Kings 19; Luke 12:1; 1 Corinthians 15:33; Galatians 5:9
Pray
Heavenly Father, Thank you for your love, grace, and faithfulness. As I reflect on Your Words, I ask for your guidance and strength. Help me, Lord, to stand firm in my faith, to love sincerely, and to serve wholeheartedly. May I have the discernment to recognize and reject any false teachings or compromises that may try to lead me astray. Grant me the perseverance to endure challenges and to remain steadfast in my commitment to you. Cleanse my heart and mind, that I may align my deeds with your will. Thank you for your promise of reward to those who overcome. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
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