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Revelation 2:18-29
In Revelation 2:18-29 the “Son of God” (Revelation 2:18, NKJV) writes to the church at Thyatira. He describes Himself as, “who has eyes like a flame of fire, and His feet like fine brass:”. He gives commendation where it is appropriate, and corrective criticism equally as being appropriate for the church at Thyatira as He states in Revelation 2:19-20, “19I know your works, love, service, faith, and your patience; and as for your works, the last are more than the first. 20Nevertheless I have a few things against you, because you allow that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess, to teach and seduce My servants to commit sexual immorality and eat things sacrificed to idols.” In Revelation 2:21-23 Jesus pronounces judgment on Jezebel, and then states, “all the churches shall know that I am He who searches the minds and hearts. And I will give to each one of you according to your works.” This may sound as if we will be rewarded for our works, as if on our own behalf, and we will according to the Scriptures, but Jesus goes on to explain this even farther as He declares in Revelation 2:26, “26And he who overcomes, and keeps My works until the end, to him I will give power over the nations—”. It is not works by our own nature that will be rewarded, but the one who keeps His works, as to follow in His footsteps. The reference to the “morning star” being given (Revelation 2:28) has no determined meaning from the scholars, but several possibilities of which range from the defeat of Satan being handed over, and a possible relationship to giving the Holy Spirit to the one’s that overcome. Jesus then ends this with a similar benediction as to the other churches, “29 “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches” (Revelation 2:29).
This is a promise of condemnation to those who practice sexual immorality.
This is a promise of power for those who overcome.
As Jesus condemns sexual immorality, He also reveals that there is a way out of it through repentance (Revelation 2:21). The first message of the earthly ministry of Jesus is, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matthew 4:17). This repentance is for all sin, and for everyone who will repent of the sins they have committed. The Apostle Paul declares in 1 Corinthians 10:13, “No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.” It is when we fall to the temptation that repentance is needed in seeking and receiving the forgiveness of Jesus.
Jesus also teaches us that we will be rewarded for following His works as we implement His teachings in our lives – as we follow Him. The Bible teaches us that our works should be reflective of our faith in Jesus (James 2:18).
Dear LORD,
There is much to be learned from Your declaration to the church at Thyatira: You will condemn the sexual immoral, but in Your great love and plan of redemption, You also will forgive those who are willing to repent. We also learn that we will be rewarded for our works that are done through our faith in Jesus as we strive to follow in His footsteps. Please let it be so LORD. In Jesus name I pray, amen.