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Monday Wednesday 7 - He searches our hearts “Then all the churches will know that I am he who searches hearts and
minds, and I will repay each of you according to your deeds.” Rev 2:23
We saw yesterday that Yeshua gave Jezebel the chance to repent, but she was unwilling and chose disobedience. Paul speaks of repentance in Romans 2:4-11. Yeshua will judge us for our deeds, which should bring trepidation to those who teach and practice false doctrine – but hope, security and comfort to those who love God and follow him unreservedly.
In verse 22 we see that there were two consequences to Jezebel’s refusal to repent. Firstly, she would be ‘cast on a bed of suffering’ (sickness) and secondly, her children would be ‘struck dead’. It’s interesting that Yeshua uses the words ‘bed of suffering’; Jezebel used a ‘bed’ to carry out her sexual sin. Fittingly, the bed of pleasure was to become a ‘bed of suffering’. Furthermore, could it be that part of this suffering took the form of sexually-transmitted disease, making clear the reason for God’s judgement? The second outcome was that her children would be struck dead. It is easy to assume that this refers to her birth children, but it is in fact her followers who were carrying out the same practices.
What Jezebel did was to neglect to follow the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and choose to idolise other ‘gods’. She chose the desires of the flesh (physical rather than spiritual pleasures). Take a moment to consider: what is it that your heart and mind dwell on?
Lord, I repent of the times I have chosen to be disobedient. May my thoughts and actions honour you. Amen.
Thursday January 8 - Looking to God’s Word
“I will not impose any other burden on you, except to hold on to what you
have until I come.” Revelation 2:24-25
Today’s scripture reveals the Son of God speaking to all who reject Jezebel’s teaching and “have not learned Satan’s so-called deep secrets” (Revelation 2:24). These people desired to follow God rather than a false prophetess carrying out immoral practices. Rejecting the ‘deep things of Satan’ includes not slipping in moral standards or allowing practices where God is not the focus. It is vital to put on the full armour of God each day (Ephesians 6:10-17) ‘so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes’ (Ephesians 6:11). This will equip you to resist getting drawn in by strong characters who cause you to question what’s right.
Yeshua, communicating thoughtfully and sensitively, has only one requirement of the people choosing to know God: “hold on to what you have until I come” (Revelation 2:25). This is the first time in these letters that he lays particular stress on his future return. In Paul’s letter to the Corinthians he speaks of the ‘deep things of God’ (1 Corinthians 2:10). Remember that whenever God has something good, Satan seeks to counterfeit the astonishingly deep truths of the Word of God.
What things in your life are you exposed to, or have become ensnared in, that could distract you and hinder your walk with the Lord? Hand these over to him and stay focused on the word of God even when others question your commitment.
Father, please prompt me when I stray in the slightest, to choose to listen to you and be obedient. Amen.
PRAYER FOR TODAY
PRAYER FOR TODAY
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