The Church in Thyatira - Pt. 1

 

[Jesus said] “And to the angel of the church in Thyatira write: ‘The words of the Son of God, who has eyes like a flame of fire, and whose feet are like burnished bronze. I know your works, your love and faith and service and patient endurance, and that your latter works exceed the first. But I have this against you, that you tolerate that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess and is teaching and seducing my servants to practice sexual immorality and to eat food sacrificed to idols. I gave her time to repent, but she refuses to repent of her sexual immorality. Behold, I will throw her onto a sickbed, and those who commit adultery with her I will throw into great tribulation, unless they repent of her works, and I will strike her children dead. And all the churches will know that I am he who searches mind and heart, and I will give to each of you according to your works. But to the rest of you in Thyatira, who do not hold this teaching, who have not learned what some call the deep things of Satan, to you I say, I do not lay on you any other burden. Only hold fast what you have until I come. The one who conquers and who keeps my works until the end, to him I will give authority over the nations, and he will rule them with a rod of iron, as when earthen pots are broken in pieces, even as I myself have received authority from my Father. And I will give him the morning star. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’” (Revelation 2:18-29 ESV).

 

Jesus’ letter to the church in Thyatira is the longest of his letters to the seven churches in Revelation. It begins with a reminder that Jesus has eyes “like blazing fire,” which means he can see clearly into all things. And his feet are described as “like burnished bronze,” meaning he is powerfully firm and able to stand against any threats to his churches, whom he corrects and protects. Jesus begins with praises for this church because of the character and quality of their faith. From the time that they first started to follow Jesus, their faith had grown. Jesus can see that their faithfulness and obedience has increased.

 

Jesus identified several characteristics that defined this church. They had practiced love and faith. They had served God in the city where they had lived. And they had done this consistently, with perseverance. It was a great testament to their faith and practice. This provides us an incredible encouragement. Churches and followers of Jesus in every community can learn to live by faith more and more by following this example of the church in Thyatira. We can all find new ways to grow in our walk with God. Likewise, we are called to carry on in the good work we are doing.

 

Let love and faith show themselves in the way you live. Practice being a servant, as Jesus did, and do it consistently.