The Seven Churches Which Are In Asia - Part 2

by Smith, A. K. | Category: The Seven Churches Which Are In Asia - Part 2 | Mar 1978

Thyatira

This was a small city in comparison with the others mentioned in Revelation chapters two and three but it was a place where there were many trade guilds. Life was difficult in view of the strong influence of these guilds for those who would stand out for the truth of God.

Once again Christ appears, this time with eyes like flaming fire and feet like pure bronze. This symbolizes the character of judge and as such He examines the evidence for and against them. All the facts are before Him:

"I know thy works, and thy love and faith and ministry and patience". He praised them because their latter works were more than their first. However, the evidence against this assembly also must be heard. An evil woman, a Jezebel, was among them teaching perverse things. Time was given for her to repent but now she and her followers could only look forward to certain punishment. It is a sobering thought that nothing goes unnoticed by God and sin among the Lord's people must be dealt with swiftly. We remember the sudden, solemn judgement of Ananias and Saphira for their deception. The believer is saved from eternal punishment but there are some other necessary judgements which begin at the house of God, some obviously taking place in this life and others brought out at the Judgement-seat of Christ.

For the rest of the saints no other burden was placed upon them except to resist this evil teaching and to hold fast till the Master comes. Power over the nations was promised those who kept the Lord's works to the end. Many start off well in obedience to Christ but God wants us to be consistent all through our pilgrimage. Those who can keep Christ's commands in this present world will be given responsibility when He comes to reign.

(to be continued)

Smith, A. K. | Mar 1978
The Seven Churches Which Are In Asia - Part 2