Scripture to Read: Revelation 2:21-23
Yesterday we began to unpack the rebuke that our Lord Jesus Christ gave to the church of Thyatira. Today we read about the promised judgment for both the sexual and spiritual immorality in the church. Our Lord Jesus laid down His life to pay the full price for all sin. He also delivers every follower of His from the power of sin and the penalty of sin. So, as believers in Christ, when we choose to walk in sin deliberately our Lord is going to deal with us through His loving discipline (Hebrews 12:5-11). Our Lord says in Revelation 2:21 that He gave this “Jezebel” time to repent. Our Lord always shows mercy first, for when He gives us time to repent, that is incredible mercy. But we also read that this “Jezebel” was not willing to repent. An unwillingness to repent is going to bring God’s righteous judgment. Our Lord’s judgment, according to Revelation 2:22, would be a “sickbed” of tribulation for this “Jezebel” and for all who commit adultery with her. Plus, Jesus said in Revelation 2:23 His judgment would include the death of her children, which would have been the second generation of believers in that church. We might think this is too harsh but before we do, let’s remember that our Lord took on the worst judgment upon Himself when the penalty of sin for all mankind was laid on Him (Isaiah 53:5-6). Sin is serious and if we don’t repent (turn away from) of our sin, our Righteous Lord will judge us as well (1 Corinthians 11:28-30).
Challenge & Application
1. What did God teach you today about His righteous judgment on all sin?
2. How are you daily examining your life to make sure you are walking in right fellowship with our Lord?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!