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Revelation 2:24–29
“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. The one who conquers and who keeps my works until the end, to him I will give authority over the nations” (vv. 24–26).
We have seen in our study of Jesus’ letter to the first-century church at Thyatira that a false prophetess in that church was encouraging the believers there to participate in the idolatrous feasts associated with the trade guilds (Rev. 2:18–23). Such participation was necessary for Christians in certain trades to remain part of those guilds and thus to be able to earn a living. In our day, we may not have to engage in outright idolatry in order to earn a living. However, that does not mean we will not be tempted to compromise our convictions. We may be asked to lie or cheat in order to keep our jobs. Affirming God’s demands for human sexuality might cost us a promotion or even lead to job loss. Jesus’ warnings to the church at Thyatira warn us against negotiating God’s demands for the sake of economic success.
Not every believer at Thyatira, however, followed the teaching of the false prophetess. Jesus says as much in His letter, as we see in today’s passage (v. 24). He acknowledges those who have remained faithful to Him. This encourages us, given that sometimes faithfulness to Jesus costs us much and it seems that we are not being rewarded for holding fast to Him and His Word. In truth, even if we are not rewarded in the present, Jesus takes note of our faithfulness just as He did with the Christians at Thyatira, and He will reward us.
But what will we receive for persevering in faith and obedience to our Lord? “Authority over the nations,” Revelation 2:25–26 says. This authority includes even authority to judge, as verse 27 makes clear with the imagery of an iron rod breaking pottery. With these words, Jesus is reiterating other promises in Scripture that the people of God will rule over the nations and even judge them (Mic. 4:1–5; 2 Tim. 2:12). Faithfulness to Christ may cost us in the short run in terms of economics and social status; however, such faithfulness means we will come out on top eternally. The Lord of the universe will grant His faithful servants the right to share in His reign over all things. How great and amazing is our incarnate Savior!
Not only will we rule and reign over creation, but we will also receive the “morning star” (Rev. 2:28). The morning star, we learn in Revelation 22:16, is none other than Jesus Himself. As incredible as it will be to rule and reign over creation, we will enjoy a far greater blessing as well. The best reward for the believer is Jesus Himself in all His magnificent glory.
Coram Deo Living before the face of God
When we are laboring diligently for the Lord and remaining faithful to Him, people in the church do not always take notice. We might even think about giving up. However, Jesus always sees those who serve Him, and He will not forget us. Even if no other believer notices our service to Jesus, He does, and He will reward us.
For Further Study
- Deuteronomy 15:6
- Luke 22:24–30
- 1 Corinthians 6:2a
- Revelation 5:1–10