“I gave her time to repent, but she refuses to repent of her sexual immorality” (Revelation 2:21 ESV).
When God demonstrates patience towards those who engage in various forms of immoral conduct (as we see in our text from Revelation 2:21), those individuals may believe they have successfully evaded the consequences of their actions. However, God may be providing them with a gracious opportunity to repent from those behaviors and change their ways.
The Biblical book of Romans expands on this concept with a heartfelt expression of concern…
“Don’t you see how wonderfully kind, tolerant, and patient God is with you? Does this mean nothing to you? Can’t you see that his kindness is intended to turn you from your sin? But because you are stubborn and refuse to turn from your sin, you are storing up terrible punishment for yourself. For a day of anger is coming, when God’s righteous judgment will be revealed” (Romans 2:4-5 NLT).
You see, no one ever completely “gets away” with sinful activity. In this instance, Jesus provided Jezebel of Thyatira with an opportunity to repent of her behavior, but she declined to accept it. That unfortunate decision will lead to serious consequences…
“Indeed I will cast her into a sickbed, and those who commit adultery with her into great tribulation, unless they repent of their deeds” (Revelation 2:22).
The idea is that this person will continue to spend time in bed, but there will be no further immoral activity taking place there. Instead, it would become a bed of illness and suffering. We should also note the broader impact of this statement. Much like a stone that produces a ripple effect upon the surface of the water, those repercussions would eventually reach anyone who was involved with her as well.
This underscores the need to identify and reject those who promote false doctrines today. Nevertheless, we should notice that Jesus also allowed for reconciliation, provided those individuals were willing to repent, or change their attitude and behavior. That brings us to the next portion of this letter, and a message that surely ranks among the most shocking things Jesus ever said…
“and I will strike her children dead. And all the churches will know that I am he who searches mind and heart, and I will give to each of you according to your works” (Revelation 2:23 ESV).
When people align with those who promote immoral behaviors behind a façade of spirituality, that decision will inevitably lead to grave consequences. We’ll consider Jesus’ pledge to “strike her children dead” at greater length next.