Revelation 2e Commentary
The LORD’s message to the church in Thyatira is interesting. Their sin is ‘tolerance’ – probably raising a white flag and declaring a truce against wickedness. Lacking a heart that breeds because the LORD’s name is dishonored by promiscuity, through seduction and manipulation.
This letter asks us one important question: What is our attitude towards the countless sexual perversions prevalent in our world today? Have we welcomed the perpetrator with open and welcoming arms? Have we endorsed sinfulness to the point of both our comfort and theirs?
Unlike the church in Pergamum, the church in Thyatira isn’t directly involved in physical sin. However, their relaxed approach is exposed as a direct yes to sexual promiscuity. The mention of Jezebel brings to light the satanic worship of Baal through sexual promiscuity.
But this Jezebel is unique. She won’t be dressed for it. In fact, she calls herself a prophet. Probably many fall for it because of this decoy. Manipulation and seduction are key Jezebel words.
The saint may understand truce for what it is, but Jezebel knows the importance of strategy if manipulation and seduction have to succeed.
Jezebel’s raid isn’t completely unsuccessful. Some believers have fallen. They must repent.
Committing adultery with Jezebel highlights the seriousness of compromise. It’s a mental exercise. It’s all in the mind – the mentality, the attitude. You are guilty not because there is video evidence but because the LORD “searches hearts and minds”. Verse 23. And He “will repay each of you according to your needs”. Your mental attitude becomes “your deeds”. Your views on LGBT become your deeds!
For the rest of them, to those that didn’t learn satan’s so-called deep secrets, the LORD imposes no other burden on them apart from holding on to what they have already. Verses 24 and 25. They are simple minds that have lived simple lives, believing the simple message of the Bible. The Christian walk is so simple that a child is able to live it! And it’s so pure when children live it!
The letter to Thyatira is full of complex imagery. At one level, Jezebel is an individual leader whose teaching is so compromised that promiscuity becomes the norm. She also represents an institution whose teaching believers must loathe. Those who belong to this institution or sect are called Jezebel’s children.
Jezebel could also represent a school of thought that stands opposed to the values of the gospel.
Yes, it is all these things in addition to the obvious application: Jezebel is a worship system dedicated to satan – Baal. Any soft spot for it means we have endorsed satan’s worship.
Jezebel was a “power” queen. The believer can be happy that authority and rule await the victorious! The “morning star gift” to the victorious saint refers to the gift of the presence of the Lamb of God Himself in paradise.
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