Daily Thought

In His letter to Thyatira, the Lord Jesus addresses the whole assembly, vv. 18-23; then ‘the rest’, those who abstained from sins the wicked Jezebel encouraged, vv. 24, 25; and finally, the overcomer, vv. 26-28. Clearly, the numbers in each category being addressed would be reducing each time. The Lord’s desire was that all would hear the Spirit’s appeal to all, in order that in all the churches there might be many overcomers, whom He would generously reward.

The overcomers would be marked by faith in Christ and faithfulness to Christ, 1 John 5. 4, 5. The Lord promises to be no man’s debtor: He will reward the overcomer. Interestingly, the rewards to the overcomers follow a historical pathway from Eden, Rev. 2. 7. The letters to Thyatira and Sardis take us to Jehu who sought to exterminate Jezebel and her seed, 2 Kgs. 9. 1 - 10. 32; and to Judah’s return from captivity in Babylon, where they awaited a priest to verify who should be added to the few names whose right to a priest’s portion could be substantiated, Ezra 2. 63; Neh. 7. 65.

The promise to the Thyatiran overcomer draws from the imagery of Balaam’s prophecy of a star and a sceptre, Num. 24. 17. The Lord speaks of rule over the nations and of the morning star, unfading and glorious. He will fulfil that promise when we reign with Christ, 1Cor. 6. 2, 3; 2Tim. 2. 12. His own parable spoke of some reigning over many cities, Luke 19. 17. Rule and radiance lie ahead for every overcomer.

The difficulties faced in Sardis were no easier to deal with than those elsewhere - lifelessness was its characterizing feature. Like Ephesus, they were to remember better days, 3. 3. For the overcomer, the rewards described were no less encouraging. They are assured of being arrayed in white raiment, of their registration in the book of life, and of their being owned before the Father of our Lord Jesus and His holy angels. Raiment, registration and recognition in the very court of heavenaremorethanwecould ever have desired. In the minds of believers, there is the realization of how much the Lord has done for them. Yet He speaks of rewarding us for the little we do for Him.