Proverbs 31:10 (Amplified Bible), “An excellent woman [one who is spiritual, capable, intelligent, and virtuous], who is he who can find her? Her value is more precious than jewels and her worth is fat above rubies or pearls.

Psalms 139:14, “I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvelous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.”

Ephesians 1:4, “According as he had chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:”

We are precious according to Proverbs, unique according to Psalms, and according to Ephesians we are chosen by God even before the world was formed. Our worth is so great, that it was only the Blood of the Lamb – Jesus Christ, that could redeem us. We are worth far more than we give ourselves credit. God sees this. Now, we just have to continually remind ourselves of this.

We are continuing our series on the 7 Churches as noted in Revelations chapters 2 and 3.

Church 4 – Thyatira – Revelations 2:18-29

Background: “Residents of Thyatira worshiped Apollo, the sun god under the surname Tyrimnas. Apollo was a son of the chief Greek god, Zeus. As such, it is significant that Jesus identified himself to the church at Thyatira as the Son of God. Likewise, this probably explains why Jesus is here depicted with flaming eyes and feet like burnished—white hot—brass. His deity outshines the sun by far, so the church at Thyatira could view Him as far more glorious than Tyrimnas. 

Jesus’ power and spiritual sight is on full display here. Nothing can escape His scrutiny. He can see what is right and wrong with the church. His feet appear to be like blazing white brass. He stands ready to judge whatever sin He finds in Thyatira.” (Bible Ref.com).

God sees and knows us. He instructed John to write to Thyatira that he knows their work, charity, service, faith, patience, and their desire for their last work to be more than their first. This speaks to their growth and maturity in the work of the Lord. Because God sees and knows them – he also pointed out their deficiencies. As much as they loved God, they still refused to route out the evil influences that plagued their church.

In verse 20, “Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols.” The scripture reminded us that she called herself a prophet, she was not called by God. Yet the church allowed her (this spirit) to teach and seduce the people of God. The Bible tells us to know those who labor among us (1 Thessalonians 5:12). We cannot allow ignorance or the fear of what people will say or do to keep us from doing what we know God requires. God called us to walk in discernment. To know what is of God and what is not.

God shows his goodness and mercy in verse 21, “And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not.” This confirms Jezebel knew exactly what she was doing and that her actions were not ordained by God. She was aware that she could repent and change her ways, but refused to. This is still true today. Those who operate in this spirit know they are opposing God. They are fully aware they are not trying to share the good news (Gospel )of Jesus. They are trying to share a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof (2 Timothy 3:5).

Although Jezebel was long dead, that spirit behind her was (is) still alive and well.

Jezebel – the daughter of Ethbaal king of Zidonians (1 Kings 16:31).

– Seduced Ahab, King of Israel, to tolerate Baal.

– Replaced the worship of God with the worship of Baal.

– Commanded the death of the Prophets of God (1 Kings 18:4).

– Lead followers to practice fornication and to eat foods offered to idols.

– Responsible for killing Naboth and confiscating his vineyard for Arab (1 King 21: 1-6).

– Came close to killing Elijah (1 Kings 19:1-3).

The spirit of Jezebel is still at work in many churches today. That seducing spirit still seeks to encourage the people of God to tolerate sin. The Bible warns us not to give place (space) to the devil (Ephesians 4:27-30). If you give him an inch, he is going to want the whole ruler. The enemy is ever trying to replace holy worship with an unholy mess. It is still trying to kill the prophets of God by physical violence, by killing reputations, and by placing worldly standards on the things of God – just to name a few ways.

But we still need to know our worth…we still need to discern to plan of the enemy. We need to stand in the gap for the people of God, in the name of Jesus.

Even Elijah came under the attack of this spirit. Elijah had just finished a great work to the glory of God. But as soon as he heard the threat of Jezebel, he ran away. God had to send his angel to feed and minister to him. God had to ask him, why are you here, Elijah?

Yes, there are times when the attack seems so great that we want to run, forget the call of God, and hide ourselves away. Be we cannot give into this. We must fight this feeling with faith, and take our rest in worship. This allows us to come back to ourselves. To remember who we are and whose we are. We have to know our worth. This gives us strength to get back up and fight the good fight of faith.

For the Church of Thyatira, God warned if they do not repent he would cast Jezebel and those who commit adultery with her into great tribulation. He will kill her children with death. God is saying if you don’t route out that spirit, he will – along with everything that spirit gave birth to. God says he knows our hearts and will give to us according to our works. We cannot hide from him. God also comforts us – He promised that if we are not guilty of this we will not have to bear no other burden. “But that which ye have already hold fast till I come. And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations:”

God encourages us to know our worth and to hold fast till he comes. Do not allow the enemy to trick us this close to the finish line.

Hold on and have and be blessed!