To him who overcomes and does my will to the end, I will give authority over the nations-The Son of God commends the saints in Thyatira for their love, faith, service, and perseverance, but he is not entirely happy with them because they tolerate "that woman Jezebel," who misleads his servants into immorality and idolatry. She sees no harm in compromising with the pagan culture around them so that the saints might share in the prosperity of the wicked, but the Son of God knows their hearts. She and her children will be punished; they will not survive or possess the kingdom. The kingdom is reserved for the overcomer, and the overcomer will receive authority over the nations just as the Son of Man has received authority from his father.
'He will rule them with an iron scepter;
he will dash them to pieces like pottery'-
just as I have received authority from my Father.
-- Rev 2:26-27
Guarding against Jezebel and Balaam is an ongoing task. Their influence is clear when divorce and unwed mothers are as common in the church as outside, when "Christians" are as fascinated with sex and sports idols as the world, and when church leaders are as focused on the "bottom line" as CEOs. We must resist the seductions of the world and be overcomers if we are to possess the kingdom.
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