Revelation 2:18-29 - Eyes Like Flames of Fire
This is one of those passages of Scripture that I wished the church worldwide would pause and reflect on for a month. It has the power to turn the church upside down for momentous growth and in turn, to bring revival worldwide. It is a victorious message of encouragement. It is a message of the need to be right and to stay right with God Almighty.
It is God who men must look to. Not politicians, governments, family members, political parties, or our employers. God alone; fear God alone. “Our God’s hand of protection is on all who worship him, but his fierce anger rages against those who abandon him.” (Ezra 8:22). May we never be against God and what He cares for and loves. May we be clear about where God stands and may we stand alongside Him.
Our words and actions show our love and faith in God. When we look closely at the perfect law that sets us free (James 1:25) we are emboldened with confidence to advance the Gospel and to make disciples rather than make a name for ourselves and other empty pursuits. James says to show our faith by our actions (James 2:18). And James says that caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt us (staying pure and self-disciplined) is what God expects of His people (James 1:27).
We see the same message in Revelation 2 with the powerful message of God to the Church of Thyatira. They had a reputation for serving the weak and needy and for boldly sharing about the goodness and love of God. But there was corruption and deception in the church. There was a person who was teaching people to follow pagan standards and focus on worldly things. It had to stop.
The Church of Thyatira got a warning letter, but also the most encouraging letter imagined. Jesus tells the church that He sees all of the things that they do. And He tells them that He applauded their core values and actions: love, faith, service, and patient endurance. Then Jesus adds this line that I find encouraging and amazing, “And I can see your constant improvement in all these things” (2:19).
Constant improvement in our core values and mission. Growth mindset in growing in Christ and the things of Christ. The church is to grow. Yes in number, but more importantly, in our righteousness.
Maybe its the the three cups of coffee this morning, but man, I find this message to the Church at Thyatira extremely encouraging. There is so much that we know already, but God’s word reminds and encourages us. We know that we need to be strong in God to stand against the schemes of the devil (Ephesians 6:10-11). We are reminded here to continuously grow and for the consequences of failing to grow. We hear that we are to grow in love for God’s law - written on our hearts - and, importantly - to grow in our disdain for falsehood. We are to love what is good and hate what is evil. We are to refuse to tolerate wicked behavior and wicked people in our congregations and organizations. The consequences could not be more stark.
Jesus says, “I will repay each of you according to your deeds” (2:23). Do we care? Do we truly fear Jesus and the holiness of His word? Jesus sets the standard here for repentance and obedience. Jesus does not promise doom and gloom. Instead, He promises a good future if the church repents of tolerating evil practices (greed and sexual immorality). I dare say, it is not too hard to see that those same battle lines (ancient lines) are drawn today in our church communities. Do not be a Jezebel (a person who encourages the congregation to accept worldly practices in the church rather than the truth of Jesus Christ (Revelation 2:20 and 1 Kings 16:31). Thank God for all the brave men and women who love Jesus and are willing to stand against worldliness in the church today. It takes guts. It takes faith in Jesus.
We need to talk at the top of the agenda of the necessity to be self-controlled. The Christian man must be self-aware enough to know what his weakness is and how to build on his strengths. It is not okay to be in a constant cycle of sin and dismay. We are, as Jesus says here, to continuously improve in our understanding of God’s ways and our righteousness. We are called by Christ our King to grow and to be disciplined. That requires a constant reminder to put on the breastplate of faith and love, and the hope of salvation as a helmet (as a former goalie I can tell you the benefits of a good helmet and mask - one that protects and that gives you crystal clear vision of the ice - 1 Thessalonians 5:8).
We don’t go out alone today. Jesus leads the way. He fights before us (Deuteronomy 31:8). Jesus has steady strong feet and piercing eyes - eyes like flames of fire (2:18). Thanks be to God alone.
Lord Jesus, please guard the feet of the saints today. Let us not take one step in any direction that is not aligned with Your will. We trust and fear You alone. We hear your message to the Church at Thyatira and we know that it is a message to us too. Please lead us well-equipped into spiritual battle today. Please show us your lovingkindness and grant us your salvation. We need not be safe, but we do need you in the fight as we put our love into action. Amen.
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