Children of the Dragon, Children of the Lamb #5: Thyatira's 'Buy In To Fit In.' (Revelation 2:18-23)

As we enter another highly charged political year, I have been thinking how much the book of Revelation has to offer in terms of casting a discerning eye on how the forces of empires (symbolized by Rome/Babylon) challenge the faith and ethics of the Kingdom of God. To really understand the political broadside John offers in this apocalypse ("unveiling") will take some time. I found the journey to be worth it. I hope you do too. 

Previous Post: http://empiresandmangers.blogspot.com/2024/04/children-of-dragon-children-of-lamb_15.html

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Write down My words, and send them to the messenger of the church in Thyatira. “These are the words of the Son of God,[1] the One whose eyes blaze like flames of fire[2] and whose feet gleam like brightly polished bronze: “I know your deeds: love, faithfulness, service, and endurance. Your labors greatly increase in quality as you travel along this journey.

A period of great prosperity was beginning for Thyatira. There were more trade-guilds in Thyatira than in any other Asian city at that time: wool and linen workers, garment manufacturers, tanners, potters, bakers, slave dealers, and bronze smiths.[3]

In a town known for its work, the church was known for its deeds: love that expresses itself in serving others, and faithfulness that has expressed itself in endurance. That’s a fantastic reputation. They are nailing the orthopraxy (righteous actions). The problem is their foundational orthodoxy (righteous teaching/belief). That’s going to need to stabilize, because a shaky foundation cannot sustain even the best deeds. John is going to make this point by referencing the presence of a Jezebel (likely not her real name) in their church. Here’s the backstory of Jezebel.