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‘And unto the angel of the Church in Thyatira write.’
Rev_2:18
I. There is the deep guilt of the Thyatiran prophetess.—Her wickedness was very terrible, and our horror of it is increased by the appalling fact that it was practised under the plea of religious liberty. Can we, however, claim that modern society is wholly free from a similar tendency? The question brings us to the gates of what is indeed a ‘city of dreadful night,’ into which we need not make our way. But this much some of us may well ask ourselves as we think of the attitude of a certain section of the community towards sin of a particular class. Is there no danger of what is really grossly evil and vicious being let off with easy or even honourable names? It is so easy to plead æsthetic considerations for what is in truth little or no better than immorality. It is so plausible to give the sacred title of love to relations which are wholly dishonourable. High-sounding excuses for breaches of the marriage-vow rise so quickly to the lips. Whatever the claims of virtue and innocence which have been deserted and sinned against, can we really consider that guilt of that kind has any right to subsequent consecration by the customary service in church? Do let us be on our guard against thinking lust anything but lust, or adultery anything but adultery. Do let us avoid the euphemisms which are sometimes applied to them. Do let us remember the uncompromising verdict of Scripture on these sins.
II. There is the reference to the continuous spiritual development of those members of the Church who ‘had not this’ anti-Christian ‘teaching.’—Such development there is in the case of some—many—of us. We know well enough—we are thankful to know—as we watch not a few of the young lives about us, that they are ‘growing in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.’ We know that faults and frailties are being conquered, it may be slowly, it may be rapidly—but at any rate surely. We see their minds and consciences opening to a fuller realisation of the meaning of the gospel. We are sure that their hearts are being lifted up to the Lord on high. We are confident that their thoughts are being set with ever-increasing earnestness and sincerity on the things that are above. There are lives which are characterised throughout by religious and moral advance. It is true of them also that their ‘last works are more than the first.’ There are those who become less and less unworthy servants. They do the work entrusted to them; and in response God sends them further, more important, more arduous tasks—tasks which make greater demands upon their powers, their self-devotion, their faith, their resolve; so that their ministry, their usefulness, their ‘works’ increase year by year.
III. ‘He that overcometh, and he that keepeth My works unto the end.’—It is the old summons to effort and fidelity. It is accompanied by the old promise of endless reward to those who are victorious in the supreme contest. The Kingdom of Christ will at length be established in universal and unquestionable supremacy. Yes, it is coming. Day by day it is approaching nearer. It will in the end be manifested to quick and dead. We may be worthy or unworthy of it. Woe indeed to those who are not written in the Lamb’s Book of Life. For us also is the warning, ‘All the Churches shall know that I am He Which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto each one of you according to your works.’ For us also is the splendid promise, ‘And he that overcometh, and he that keepeth My works unto the end, to him will I give authority over the nations … and I will give him the morning star.’
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Rev. the Hon. W. E. Bowen.