The church in Thyatira received a great commendation from Jesus for their works, love, faith, patience and service. In addition, Jesus added that their works are increasingly becoming greater as they journey in their faith. This so far sounds great and very promising, however, probably the sharpest rebuke and concern shown by Jesus, is for the church in Thyatira. His introduction to this church is as the ‘Son of God, who has eyes like a flame of fire, and His feet like fine brass’ (2:1) The last time we saw this description (1:14:15) it was One like the Son of Man, this time, however, it is important for the believers in Thyatira to see Him as deity and glorious Judge. The One able to perceive all things, hidden or otherwise, with exact precision and able to tread out brilliant execution of His divine judgement. Why?
Because although the church had great works and love, they had allowed the deep things of Satan to infiltrate the church (2:24) and corrupt doctrine through a false prophetic voice and false teaching (2:20).
Thyatira had allowed a woman claiming supernatural power and divine revelation to seduce them away from true and pure worship in order to participate in State-approved temple prostitution and idolatrous temple feasts (2:20). Somehow, this prophetess, who supposedly spoke for God, led churchgoers to integrate themselves with worldly standards of truth and away from their faithfulness to God’s moral law. This most likely originated with the seemingly innocent acceptance of the surrounding immorality and social decay as a means of demonstrating the love and faith-filled works for which they had become known.
Whether her name was literally Jezebel or not, this leader in the church carried the same spirit and influence her biblical namesake did. Adulterating definitions of love and religious service while simultaneously eroding doctrine and Biblical truth. Thyatira may not be the only church guilty of this charge, and increasingly more so as the day approaches.
Jesus, along with the admonition, encourages the believers that have not partaken in this doctrine of witchcraft to ‘hold fast what you have till I come’ (2:25). Believers in the end, and throughout church history have had to endure seasons of apostasy. Some would say that Thyatira represents the church before the reformation for example. However, faithful remnants are always encouraged to hold on to the return of the Lord as a future hope in every season, good or bad.
For those who do hold on and are faithful, an invitation will be given to them to join in the ruling and reigning with Christ in His fully established Kingdom of earth, otherwise known as the Millennial Reign (2:26-27). The picture used in verse 27 is quoting Psalm 2 and is a picture of shepherding and care as much as it is a picture of power and authority.
In other words, faithful believers in the millennium will continue to be ministers of reconciliation, co-labourer with Christ in restoring the nations and creation itself. We will be the cleanup crew in many ways after the destruction of the Tribulation but we will also govern alongside our King (1 Corinthians 6:2). This will be done in the delegated authority of Christ which He received from His Father (2:26-27).
More than that though, an even greater promise is given to the overcomer and that is the Morning Star which is Christ Himself (Rev 22:16). There is a promise to those who are found in Christ that He will come to gather each and every believer and receive them to Himself that where our Lord is we will be also (John 14:3). His promise is that He will rapture His Church before His return and we will be with the Lord in the air (1 Thess 4:16-17) and then we will always be with the Bright and Morning Star (Rev 2:28, 22:16).
Here’s what we can know from these verses:
- Jesus is the one who sees all and judges accordingly. He treads down on all that is evil but delivers paths of righteousness. He is the ultimate King of Justice. Not only of the world but also of the Church.
“And to the angel of the church in Thyatira write, ‘These things says the Son of God, who has eyes like a flame of fire, and His feet like fine brass.
Revelation 2:18
- Jesus in the purity of His justice shepherds the nations. ‘He shall rule them with a rod of iron’, is a picture that in absolute authority, Christ will shepherd, tend and care for His Kingdom. His goodness will be the hallmark of His governance. Part of that goodness is to remove evil and injustice forever.
15 Now out of His mouth goes a sharp sword, that with it He should strike the nations. And He Himself will rule them with a rod of iron. He Himself treads the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God.
Revelation 19:15
- Jesus invites His own to be with Him and to reign with Him. Jesus is coming to collect His bride and just like Adam and Eve were co-labourers in God’s Eden, so too the Church, Christ’s bride, will be co-labourers in Eden restored.
