But to the remnant of you in Thyatira, as many as do not hold her teaching, those who have not learned the "deep things of Satan," as they call them (I place no other burden upon you), I say nevertheless, "hold on to what you have until I come." Rev. 2:24, 25.
Jesus offers counsel to the faithful ones in the church. He calls them a "remnant." Here is the first time the word appears in the book of Revelation. The remnant in this text are those who, while they may tolerate Jezebel's role in the church, do not accept or practice her teachings. In this they anticipate God's final remnant at the end of time (Rev. 12:17).
Scholars are not certain as to the meaning of "Satan's deep secrets." Sometimes people become so confident in Christ that they can toy with the devil. It may well be that "Jezebel" was claiming that from her deep experience of the things of Satan she could teach people how to control him and thus triumph over him. While the text is not clear, she may have been exercising some type of exorcist ministry (casting out demons).
It is true that Christians will have victory over Satan in Christ. When oppressed by Satan, we can call on God in the name, the power, and the blood of Jesus Christ. And when we encounter others similarly afflicted we can do the same. The power of Jesus Christ is real and at such times manifests itself in remarkable ways. I am speaking from experience.
But we face danger here as well. Encounters with Satan are more scary and thrilling than bungee jumping or sky diving! If we let the power of Christ in such situations "go to our heads" we may find ourselves tempted to seek out more such encounters to show off "our power" to others. But in the subtle selfishness of our mixed motives we open ourselves up to the very oppression we are claiming to free people from. While Satan is subject to the power of Christ, he is certainly smarter and more powerful than we are in our own strength. Delivering Satan's captives for Christ should never be an excuse for us to boast. Pride in our effectiveness for Christ, as was the case with "Jezebel," puts us on the pathway to unexpected destruction.
The remnant in Thyatira face enormous challenges. Jesus doesn't heap His criticisms on them. He places no other burden on them than to "hang on" until He comes. It would be easy for the remnant to fall into a cycle of guilt and shame over their past failures to confront Jezebel and her disciples. But Jesus asks no more of them than to hold the course that they are capable of if they will trust completely in Him. They are not perfect, but Jesus says, "I will not put any further burdens on you. Hang on to what you already have."
Lord, I am tired of one mistake after another. Help me to "hand on" one day at a time. Help me to grow on Your schedule into the person You want me to be.
Jesus offers counsel to the faithful ones in the church. He calls them a "remnant." Here is the first time the word appears in the book of Revelation. The remnant in this text are those who, while they may tolerate Jezebel's role in the church, do not accept or practice her teachings. In this they anticipate God's final remnant at the end of time (Rev. 12:17).
Scholars are not certain as to the meaning of "Satan's deep secrets." Sometimes people become so confident in Christ that they can toy with the devil. It may well be that "Jezebel" was claiming that from her deep experience of the things of Satan she could teach people how to control him and thus triumph over him. While the text is not clear, she may have been exercising some type of exorcist ministry (casting out demons).
It is true that Christians will have victory over Satan in Christ. When oppressed by Satan, we can call on God in the name, the power, and the blood of Jesus Christ. And when we encounter others similarly afflicted we can do the same. The power of Jesus Christ is real and at such times manifests itself in remarkable ways. I am speaking from experience.
But we face danger here as well. Encounters with Satan are more scary and thrilling than bungee jumping or sky diving! If we let the power of Christ in such situations "go to our heads" we may find ourselves tempted to seek out more such encounters to show off "our power" to others. But in the subtle selfishness of our mixed motives we open ourselves up to the very oppression we are claiming to free people from. While Satan is subject to the power of Christ, he is certainly smarter and more powerful than we are in our own strength. Delivering Satan's captives for Christ should never be an excuse for us to boast. Pride in our effectiveness for Christ, as was the case with "Jezebel," puts us on the pathway to unexpected destruction.
The remnant in Thyatira face enormous challenges. Jesus doesn't heap His criticisms on them. He places no other burden on them than to "hang on" until He comes. It would be easy for the remnant to fall into a cycle of guilt and shame over their past failures to confront Jezebel and her disciples. But Jesus asks no more of them than to hold the course that they are capable of if they will trust completely in Him. They are not perfect, but Jesus says, "I will not put any further burdens on you. Hang on to what you already have."
Lord, I am tired of one mistake after another. Help me to "hand on" one day at a time. Help me to grow on Your schedule into the person You want me to be.
RSS Feed
