Reading
SAA Notes
Each of the seven churches is in what is now modern Turkey. Back then, Turkey was a polyglot mix of almost every nationality under the sun. Idolatry is called sexual immorality in the prophets – the image is that we the church are God’s wife! The idolatry of Thyatira was a mixture of current ideas with traditional Christian belief.
SJA Notes
* Eternal God, the One, True and Ever-Blessed Lord. Thank You for Your word to us today.
“To the one who conquers …”
Reading this passage we might think on John’s memories, here at the time when his earthly life is winding down – How his King Jesus taught and lived what it meant to conquer.
The upside-down nature of God’s kingdom, that the weak would be strong, the humble lifted high, the small mustard-seed faith capable of great things.
The conquering through submission and servant-hearted quiet meekness under God’s will.
The arming of ourselves with the armor of God, wielding on the Sword Of His Spirit, His Word.
Offering up ourselves as living sacrifices, resisting evil and fleeing from temptation.
Following Jesus.
Turning to Jesus.
Doing what Jesus tells us to, instead of what the world says.
This is conquering as Jesus set it out, His pattern and model.
* Great God Above,
Thank You for these messages to the seven churches.
Please Lord God, may we be amongst those who conquer in Your Name, living with You as our King.
Pleaser be alive in us today and onwards.
Mark us as a faithful and obedient people.
Amen.