Nevertheless, I have this against you: You tolerate that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophet. By her teaching she misleads my servants into sexual immorality and the eating of food sacrificed to idols. I have given her time to repent of her immorality, but she is unwilling. So I will cast her on a bed of suffering, and I will make those who commit adultery with her suffer intensely, unless they repent of her ways. I will strike her children dead. Then all the churches will know that I am he who searches hearts and minds, and I will repay each of you according to your deeds. Revelation 2:20-23 (NIV)

The words of revelation are intense, aren’t they? Over the past several weeks, we have explored the letters to the seven churches, but the language is often difficult to hear and understand. That intensity is even more prevalent in these verses than they have been so far. What are we to do with this kind of language in the scriptures? How is it that this language and the majestic grace of God at the cross can both exist in the same scriptures? 

It is critical to understand that the justice of God is a manifestation of his grace and love. God hates sin and evil because sin and evil are the greatest threat to his creatures. God doesn’t mess around when it comes to protecting us from the world’s evils. In this text, we find this woman who is associated with Jezebel in this church. She is actively leading people into idolatry, and she has ignored God’s warnings and refuses to repent. That active rebellion against God and his way is no longer about just her; she is a threat to the health and safety of this entire church. God doesn’t let his children be consumed by her evil. 

Our emotions about text like this are caused by our own fear of being referred to as this character. We wonder, will god cast me on a bed of suffering? Perhaps he will if you are actively fighting against the way of Jesus and encouraging Christ’s followers to do the same. But if that is not you, this text is actually a reminder of the protective hand of God over his people. It is an invitation back even when we have been tempted by Jezebel. 

Take a moment to ask yourself, am I being tempted by anything right now? What is pulling me away from the heart of God? Ask God to protect you like he protects this church. Ask him to war against the temptations you have in your life. 


by Aaron Bjorklund

Note. To access scripture links that don’t appear in the email version, read the differently formatted web version in your browser.