Today’s Reading:
Revelation 2:18-29
“And to the angel of the church in Thyatira write, “These things say the Son of God, who has eyes like a flame of fire, and His feet like fine brass. I know your works, love, service, faith, and your patience; and as for your works, the last are more than the first. Nevertheless, 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. And I gave her time to repent of her sexual immorality and she did not repent. Indeed I will cast her into a sickbed, and those who commit adultery with her into great tribulation, unless they repent of their deeds. I will kill her children with death and 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. ”Now to you I say, and to the rest in Thyatira, as many as do not have this doctrine, who has not known the depth of Satan, as they say, I will put on you no other burden. But hold fast what you have till I come. And he who overcomes, and keeps My works until the end, to him I will give power over the nations - ’He shall rule them with a rod of iron; They shall be dashed to pieces like the potter’s vessels’ – as I also have received 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." (vv. 18 – 29 NKJV)
Known today as Akhisar, Thyatira was not a strong seat of emperor worship. It was founded as a military outpost and was famous for its many trade guilds for cloth making, dying, and pottery. Paul’s first convert in Philippi Lydia was a merchant from Thyatira (Act 16:14). “… and eat things sacrificed to idols.” (v.20b). To participate in the trade industry, one needed to be a member of the appropriate guild. Guild members are expected to take part in the common meals dedicated to pagan deities. These are meals that usually end up in unbridled sexual orgies. “… Because you allow that woman Jezebel, who … to teach and seduce ….to commit sexual immorality …” A certain woman in the church whom John called Jezebel was teaching that immorality was not a serious issue for believers. John used this name to show the gravity of the evil she was spreading. (1 Kgs. 19:1-2; 21:1-15; 2 Kgs. 9:7-10, 30-37).
Sexual immorality in marriage hurts the other partner and God hates it because it shows the selfishness to satisfy one’s lustful desire over the will and purpose of God for marriage. It is infidelity in marriage, and it violates the commitment needed in a relationship. It may cause disease to the body which can later affect the victim’s personality. It can ruin family ties, and the unity in a church and a community in that it ruins a person’s integrity on which relationships are built. God desires to protect us from hurting ourselves and others. Hence, God frowns at all manner of sexually immoral practices.
This church was commended for growing in good deeds (v. 19). But we should know that it is not enough for any church to only rejoice in the salvation of its members or the comfort of gathering for worship. It is important to grow in love, faith, and act of service to God and man. The times are critically evil; therefore, we must spend our days wisely and faithfully.
OLUFUNMILAYO TITILOLA ADEKUSIBE
To surrender your life to Christ, say this prayer aloud: Father, thank you for Jesus Christ. Forgive my sins, take control of my heart, and lead me in your righteous path by the power of Your Holy Spirit. Thank You, Lord. If you said the prayer, Congratulations! Prayerfully look for a living church and report to the resident pastor or priest.
Prayer:
O Lord, do not rebuke me in Your anger; Nor chasten me in Your hot displeasure. In Jesus' name.
Have mercy on me, for I am weak. O Lord, heal me for my bones are troubled. My soul also is greatly troubled, in Jesus' name.
O Lord deliver me! save me for your mercies’ sake
For in death, there is no remembrance of You, and in the grave, who will give You thanks?
O Lord Grant that I experience your deep, great, mighty deliverance, purge my foundation, and transform my heart, in Jesus' name.
O Lord, grant that I will never leave You or lose the depth of the love I first had for You, in Jesus' name.
Father, visit Christian homes with Your love and mercy and unite the husband, the wife, and the children to build a god-fearing family to the glory of Your name, in Jesus' name.
Unit the body of Christ with your love to harmoniously proclaim the Gospel of truth, in Jesus' name.
We commit the leaders of the church to Your care, Lord; grant them the fear of You in all their decisions, in Jesus' name.
… O Shepherd of Israel, You who leads Joseph like a flock, You who dwells amid cherubims, shine forth. Stir up Your strength and come and save the nations of the world, especially our nation Nigeria. Turn us again, and cause your face to shine, and we shall be saved, in Jesus' name. (Ps. 80:1).
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