Page 34 - Living Light 91

Monday January 5 - Despite their good deeds “...I have this against you: you tolerate that woman Jezebel... By her
teaching she misleads my servants into sexual immorality...” Rev 2:20
We saw yesterday that the church at Thyatira was acclaimed for exhibiting positive attributes: love, faith, diligence and support. It grew in number and perhaps stood out as being a strong church. But that was only one side to it. At the start of verse 20, Yeshua says: “Nevertheless, I have this against you...” Despite their good deeds, the people of the church had become complacent, due to the influence of a very dominant female leader. Yeshua refers to this leader as Jezebel – possibly not her real name. Interestingly, he chose the same name as the woman previously mentioned in 1 Kings 16:31, who was the daughter of the king of Sidon and the wife of King Ahab of Israel. She did evil in the eyes of the Lord by serving and worshiping Baal, as well as wanting to kill the prophet Elijah (1 Kings 19:1-2).
‘Jezebel’ claims to have the spirit of prophecy, but according to Revelation 19:10 the testimony of Yeshua is the real spirit of prophecy. Because she called herself a prophetess, her wicked intent (leading others into sexual immorality and eating foods sacrificed to idols) was inevitably overlooked. The people needed discernment and to clearly choose to reject her codes of spiritual and moral conduct. Likewise, it is essential for us to have discernment and make wise choices, even if this ultimately may mean leaving a particular church.
Lord, please make me aware of those around me who profess faith but act contrary to your ways. Amen.
Tuesday January 6 - Time to repent!
“I have given her time to repent of her immorality, but she is unwilling.
So I will cast her on a bed of suffering...” Revelation 2:21-22
Despite God’s love and mercy, when people blatantly go against his ways, at some point there are consequences (Revelation 2:22). He doesn’t do this to punish us, but to bring correction and encourage us to develop a righteous life. Unbelievably she is advocating that it is fine for believers to indulge in sexual immorality, not least fornication and adultery. The Ten Commandments state clearly: “You shall not commit adultery” (Exodus 20:14 – see also 1 Corinthians 6:9, Hebrews 13:4). In the letters to the churches at Pergamum and Thyatira, Yeshua links sexual immorality with idolatry (giving greater value to people or desires than to God). One predictably leads to the other. This situation is paralleled in churches today that fail to challenge unbiblical standards on sexuality, intentionally refusing to address immoral behaviour, and willingly embracing the standards of modern culture. These are the real challenges we face today, and are not understood fully by many, but they are serious offences against God’s law and his character. Living in an era where people are much freer with their sexual conduct than in earlier times makes it easier for believers to overlook wrong actions. The world seems to have lost respect for boundaries – limits that keep us safe – which are emphasised throughout the Bible. God gives us the opportunity to repent and turn back to his ways. Jezebel refused.
Lord, please show me what I need to repent of, and give me the courage to do so. Amen.
PRAYER FOR TODAY
32
PRAYER FOR TODAY