RESULTS OF INDULGENCE
"But I have this against you: You tolerate the woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess and teaches and deceives My servants to commit sexual immorality and to eat meat sacrificed to idols. I gave her time to repent, but she does not want to repent of her sexual immorality. Look, I will throw her into a sickbed and those who commit adultery with her into great affliction. Unless they repent of her works, I will strike her children dead." Revelation 2:20-23a (CSB)
This passage is quite sobering. Jezebel, a name assigned to this woman leading others astray, is identified as a false prophetess and deceptive leader. Christ’s criticism of the church of Thyatira is their tolerance of this false teacher. This woman is not simply teaching false information but leading others to commit sexual immorality and encouraging them to eat meat sacrificed to idols.
Christ directly calls out their tolerance of this woman’s sinful acts.
Focusing only on Jezebel’s wrongdoing can be easy, and we must be aware of that. However, the church’s tolerance of this woman’s ongoing actions draws the criticism of Christ. Passivity in theological conviction is seen as sinful by Christ.
Christ, in contrast, was patient with her but acted decisively. Don’t confuse patience with passivity. Patience is an active response waiting for a desired conclusion. Passivity does not involve a reaction of any kind.
We often approach others, especially in the church, in the same way as some of the members of Thyatira did. When we see a consistent pattern of someone leading others astray, we must avoid being passive but act decisively. What action would you take towards someone encouraging others towards sexual immorality?
APPLICATION: As Christians, we’re responsible for our actions and to lead others towards a right relationship with Christ—not tolerating willful deception.
PRAYER:
God,
It’s so hard to remain vigilant. This world doesn’t help develop my faith.
It feels intolerant towards what I believe. Please help me stand firm with You as my shield. Please help me be a light in the darkness regardless of others’ reactions. And God, please help me point others toward You! Amen.