July 29, 2023: Authority Over Nations!

"The one who conquers and who keeps my works until the end, to him I will give authority over the nations," (Revelation 2:26, ESV)

The church at Thyatira was forced to contend with Jezebel, a self-proclaimed prophetess; seducer of the servants of God; and champion of sexual immorality. Many had been seduced and given in to her temptations. Jesus stands calling them to repent and come away from her.

The reward He offers to the church at Thyatira is twofold. One, to the one who overcomes, Jesus, says, "I will give authority over nations." Jesus can delegate authority to these overcomers because He has overcome and been given that authority by His Father. Those who overcome in Thyatira have overcome by submitting to the authority of Jesus Christ rather than Jezebel! By submitting to the authority of the Lord Jesus, this remnant has lived free of Jezebel's bonds and is now rewarded authority to shatter the systems that oppose the Lord Jesus Christ.
    
Secondly, to the one who overcomes, Jesus says, "I will give him the morning star." It is unclear what this means, but we know it is good because it is a reward for the overcomer! The Morning Star was the name of Lucifer before he fell. I believe it means that Lucifer's authority has now been taken from him and given to those he sought to destroy. It pays to live free from the bondage of Jezebel and her seductions. Live free and enjoy your authority over the evil one!