# 33 2021 Dev. Revelation 2:12. The Sword of Jesus! Read all of Chapter 2:12-29 first. The purpose of these devotionals is to draw closer to God and grow spiritually by applying His Word to our daily living. All passages are taken from the NIV.
Revelations 2:12 “These are the words of him who has the sharp, double-edged sword.”
Introduction: This book is perhaps the most misunderstood and the most misinterpreted book of Scripture. Scripture must interpret the Scriptures of which this book is a primary example. The language is apocalyptic, symbolic and understood in the eastern culture.
Chapter 2 begins with Jesus’ exhortation to the seven churches. Again, seven is a complete number that means that each type of church is addressed through out all of history. Jesus is addressing us today as well.
To the church in Pergamum: “I know where you live-where Satan has his throne. Yet you remain true to my name.” Even in the face of death, “you did not renounce your faith in me,” Most people in this church were faithful and passed the test resisting Emperor worship. Pergamum was the center of Emperor worship in what was known as Asia at the time.
“Nevertheless, I have a few things against you:” compromising with idolatry and with immorality, as advised by Balaam in his time (see Num. 22-31). Also, “the teaching of the Nicolaitans.” Nicolas was a convert to Judaism (see Acts 6:5,6) who compromised with the occult of the day. Satan used a prophet and a deacon to subvert God’s will and precepts for His people. Jesus is speaking to the church and to followers of Jesus, today because this subversion is going on now; many churches have compromised with the world’s values that conflict with God’s will for our lives. This all comes under the guise of acceptance and love but the love of Jesus means pointing out the truth of God’s will and His commands. To those who hear and persevere, they will eat heavenly food and be given a new name in the Kingdom of God.
To the Church in Thyatira: Thyatira is an ancient Greek city, known for the dying of purple cloth and producing clothing. Apparently the water of the area was so well suited for dying that the color of the cloth could not be matched elsewhere. The Scriptures confirms this trade when Paul met Lydia, a seller of purple and established a church in her home.
“These are the words of the Son of God,” He is both God and Human with eyes and feet. I know “your love and faith, your service and perseverance, and that you are doing more than you did at first.”
“Nevertheless, I have this against you: You tolerate that woman Jezebel.” She leads people astray, into immorality and idolatry. Jesus has been patient with her but she is unwilling to repent. Jesus will punish her and those who commit immorality with her, so that “all the churches will know that I am he who searches hearts and minds, and I will repay each of you according to your deeds.” This applies to us today if we will not repent. If you have ears listen to Jesus! “To the one who is victorious and does my will to the end, I will give authority over the nations…” We will reign with Christ in the New Heaven and the New earth, praise the Lord.
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