From Toleration to Tribulation

In the last lesson in his "Identity Politics" series (Episode 366), minister Aaron Hill focused on the church at Ephesus, a church faced with the possibility of losing its candlestick because of its lack of love. In today's sermon, he discusses the plight of the church at Thyatira, which faces a vastly different challenge. They are commended for having the love that Ephesus lacked, yet some of their body are admonished for following the teaching of a false prophet in their midst. 

This so-called prophet is called Jezebel, reminiscent of the evil queen Jezebel who promoted idolatry and Baal worship in Old Testament times. Some in the church of Thyatira are apparently following this "prophet's" teaching and engaging in sexual immorality. John condemns this practice, and tells those, including the "prophet", that they must repent, or they will face resultant tribulation. 

He makes it clear, however, that this is not a whole church issue, or the church in Thyatira would likely be warned of losing its candlestick just as Ephesus was. He tells them in Revelation 2:24-25, "But to the rest of you in Thyatira, who do not hold this teaching, who have not learned what some call the deep things of Satan, to you I say, I do not lay on you any other burden. Only hold fast what you have until I come." For those who hold fast to Christ, he promises a reward, emphasizing their need and ours to be vigilant at all times and not to become complacent.