Day 57

“The one who overcomes, and the one who keeps My deeds until the end, I will give him authority over the nations; ²⁷ and he shall rule them with a rod of iron, as the vessels of the potter are shattered, as I also have received authority from My Father; ²⁸ and I will give him the morning star. ²⁹ The one who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” Rev 2:26-29 NASB

What is it that motivates people to accomplish difficult tasks? How is it that some people are able to put up with all kinds of hardship and difficulty for a relatively minor reward? Jesus knows that everyone needs motivation to change their ways or accomplish something great. In the letter to the church at Thyatira, He tells them to keep their eye on the reward! The day is coming when Jesus will give them authority over the nations. They will be kings and priests in heavenly places. They will have authority like His authority. He will also give them the morning star. But then in Rev 22:16 it tells us that Jesus is the morning star. He is giving them Himself. So the ultimate motivation is a close relationship with Jesus.

The church of Thyatira symbolizes the condition of Christianity from about AD 538 to the 1560’s. During this time, the danger to God’s people did not come from outside the church but from within. Tradition replaced the Bible, a human priesthood and sacred relics replaced Christ’s priesthood, and works were regarded as the means of salvation. Those who did not accept these corrupting influences were persecuted and even killed. For centuries the true church (the faithful remnant) found refuge in wilderness areas. (see Rev 12:6,13,14). But Jesus also commends the church in Thyatira for their faith and love, works and service – pointing to the reformation and the beginnings of a return to the Bible. This reformation had begun in the 14^th century with Huss and Jerome, Wycliffe and many others, then finally Luther and Calvin.