“And to the angel of the church in Thyatira write ‘These things says
the Son of God…‘” Revelation 2:18
John continues to faithfully record what The Lord writes to His church at Thyatira.
To the angel The Lord always speaks through established authority.
He addresses the pastor in Thyatira, a man who has a major problem on his hands. We do not know who this is. Is he a compromiser like many in his congregation or is he a faithful warrior? Either way, he will give an account for his church.
The Lord then reveals himself to Thyatira. The Lord Jesus always selects the characteristics that His church needs to focus on. Remember that truth as you go through life. At different
times and in different circumstances we will need to remember certain characteristics of the Lord’s nature that will sustain us or correct us in the right path. The Lord’s revelation of Himself is never random, He always has a purpose which is to our benefit to discover.
These things Strong’s Concordance says “In the context of ancient Greek language and culture, demonstrative pronouns suggest clarity and emphasis in both spoken and written communication. They helped speakers and writers specify particular objects or ideas, which were crucial in a time when oral tradition and rhetoric were highly valued. In the New Testament, these pronouns are used to highlight specific teachings, events, or individuals, often in the context of Jesus’ ministry or the apostles’ teachings.” The Lord uses these two words to tell us that what He is about to say is very important.
Says Again Strong’s Concordance helps us to understand the seriousness of the words the Lord speaks to Thyatira. The word “lego” is often used to bring a message to closure or to move it to a conclusion (to lay the matter to rest). Does the Lord expect arguments from this church? The Lord speaks and He clearly indicates what He has to say to Thyatira is the final word – no excuses!
The Son of God The Lord stuns us with the words He selects. His words are blunt and they cut to the core of the issue facing Thyatira. He presents Himself as the Son of God. When Mary is told she will bear the Messiah she is told He is the “Son of God”. (Luke 1:35) At his death the centurion proclaims ”Truly this was the Son of God.” It is also one of the taunts Satan throws at the Lord in the wilderness. “If you are the Son of God.” The name “Son of God” refers to the Messiah – the one who will come to rule the world. The title refers to authority. It is as if the Lord is saying to Thyatira “Do you know who I am?” It is like a mother or
father saying to a child “Don’t you forget that I am your parent”. When one in authority and has to remind one they are
the boss in order to be listened to, an angry rebellious heart is expected.
What Can We Learn? Thyatira is acquiescing to economic pressure to accept something else as equal to the Lord. Satan at his fall proclaimed “I will be like the most High”, “I am equal to God”. Now Thyatira is agreeing with he enemy. The Lord gives a stark reminder, “Do you remember who I am?” “Are you willing to give your love and worship to another after what I have done for you?” “Have you forgotten who has all authority?” Sadly this church had. Don’t ever do the same!