Revelation 2:18-29

One of the key strands through these letters is that of a commitment to Jesus. Jesus is calling us to live for Him and he distinctive because He has something for us to do. Looking forward to the end of Revelation, John makes it clear that we will all be reigning alongside Jesus in the New Creation.

The description, set in the furnace is relevant to Thyatira. There it was a centre for production. It was full of trade guilds - places of both business and pleasure that was almost religion in itself. People worshipped there the pagan Gods of commerce and prosperity. This made it hard to be a businessperson as a Christian. Pursuing the guilds would be a compromise of their faith and so following Jesus would be a blow to the career of a Christian who would not partake in the indulgence of the guilds.

Jesus commended the people in the church for trusting Him despite that and excercising faith in Him. But there were a few who had acted otherwise. The woman Jesus targets was probably trying to legitimise the practices of the guilds - probably because she was reluctant to give up her position in society for Jesus. She was stopping the Christians from being distinctive like they should be in order to further the gospel. They had slumped into apathy about their faith - the "it doesn't matter" attitude. This attitude was eroding the soul and mission of the church. Hence why Jesus' words to her were so serious. It was judgement language. She must be stopped in order to prevent the damage she was doing to the church. Jesus had been patient, he had given her time. But God cannot tolerate sin, no matter how slow to anger He is. For those stuck in sin, Jesus holds out his arms, calling them back to Him. Repent and Jesus will welcome you.

Jesus also has a message for those who persevere no matter the cost. Keep going! He will be with you and hold you close to Him. Jesus is described as the one who searches hearts and minds. He knows your context and situation and what your attitude is towards your life. The closer Jesus is, the more your life will be used as an object of worship and witness. Jesus has something greater for us than our work and business, and so we must be seeking to be transformed for that reign alongside Him on the final day. His gift of Himself tells us that there is a new day approaching and a new creation is on the way. So be prepared, and keep Jesus close.