October 24, 2002 (39)
A WOLF IN THE WOOL OF A SHEEP. This letter to the church, was like all others addressed to the shepherd or angel of the church, the Pastor. Rev. 2: 18 Pastors should consistently be made a subject of prayer. Their responsibility is tremendous. It touches both the secular and the spiritual. At some time this Pastor had permitted a woman named Jezebel to become a teacher and a leader in his flock. Unfortunately, it was a bad decision. Gleaning from the Old Testament character with the same name we find one who married king Ahab of Israel, who then became a worshipper of Baal. 1 Kings 16:31 She was a strong enemy of Elijah and sought to slay him. Making her both a murderer and an enemy of the truth. 1 Kings 19:2 She was a schemer, a thief and a liar. 1 Kings 21:5-15 She was a manipulator and an instigator of wickedness. Ahab was dominated by her. 1 Kings 21:25 She was a flirt and had the heart of an adulteress. 2 Kings 9:30 She went to the dogs. 2 Kings 9:32-37 This would seem to be a name that the Lord bestowed on her rather than her birth name. The woman in Thyatira had the same nature as the Jezebel of the Old Testament.
A FRAUDULENT TITLE AND OFFICE EXERCISED. It is important to note that <she> claimed the office to which <she> asserted <she> had been called. Really not an unusual situation. She was allowed to use a gift of utterance which would give her great influence in the congregation. In some instances such an individual has successfully lead the innocents of the church into dire circumstances. Her position as a teacher would like wise give her a great opportunity to direct the doctrines of the church. Her status in the church made her to be a woman of great power and control, it is even possible that the Pastor feared her. Rev. 2:20 Jesus warned of situations such as this and called them <ravening wolves>. Mt. 7:15 This spiritual cancer of the church would increase as we approached the end of the age. He warned of <MANY> false prophets and unfortunately <MANY> would be deceived by them. It must be admitted that there is a thin line between that which is real and that which is false. In mercy, may the Lord give us the gift of discernment. The abilities of these <false ones> is indeed startling, for they will show mighty signs and wonders. Even the very elect will be shaken and confused by their manipulations. Mt. 24:24 Keep your eyes on Jesus. We do not follow signs and wonders. Signs and wonders will follow them that believe. Paul warned Timothy that men of this sort would increase, and they have. They themselves being deceived what else can they do but deceive. We are made to wonder, at times, if perhaps a spirit of divination has invaded the church. So many must obtain their directions by one called a prophet. What ever happened to <praying through> in order to know the will of the Lord for ourselves? 2 Tim. 3:13