April 15: A WORLDWIDE SICKBED
“And I gave her time to repent of her sexual immorality, and she did not repent. Indeed I will cast her into a sickbed, and those who commit adultery with her into great tribulation, unless they repent of their deeds. I will kill her children with death . . .” Revelation 2:21-23a
Our God is so merciful! The indescribable gift of His sinless record—made available to a sinner like me through the death of His Son in my place—is accompanied by yet another gracious gift: time to repent. The age-old departure of humans from God’s instructions is referred to in various terms and symbols: the way of Cain, the error of Balaam, the deeds of the Nicolaitans, that woman Jezebel... All run parallel to Babylonian philosophies (see Revelation 18:2) that cast aside the words of God and lead His people to “divorce” Him who said, “for I am married to you” (Jeremiah 3:14).
When the infamous Jezebel married Ahab, she had no intention of worshiping the God of Israel. Throughout her time as queen, she practiced reprehensible forms of immorality including seduction, theft, lying, and murder of the innocent and the faithful (see 1 Kings 21:5-15; 18:13), all without a trace of remorse. Our loving God wants to save people from a way of thinking that leads to corruption and utter ruin.
We would have healed Babylon, But she is not healed. Forsake her, and let us go everyone to his own country; For her judgment reaches to heaven and is lifted up to the skies. Jeremiah 51:9 (see also Daniel 8:10, Revelation 18:5)
The fact that history repeats itself can serve as a helpful warning. Biblical history provides a record of prophetic examples for us. Some are examples to follow, while others are terrible examples to avoid. This is the redemptive essence of prophecy! God wants to rescue us from impending danger, but we must want to be rescued!
Compare Jezebel just before her judgment (2 Kings 9:30) with the woman riding the beast (Revelation 17:4-5). Both have children following and teaching abominable doctrines. Thyatira was known for producing beautiful purple fabric (Acts 16:14), and Babylon the Great presents herself as royalty, for she says in her heart, “I sit as queen…” (Revelation 18:7, see also Isaiah 47:8-9). Queen Jezebel was thrown down from her window by her own servants (2 Kings 9:33), and the “lovers” of Babylon will turn on her and make her desolate (Revelation 17:16). And like Jezabel, on her hands will be found the blood of prophets and saints (18:24).
Daniel saw that this false church would still be in operation when Jesus comes back (2:34-35; 7:11, 25-27; 8:25; 12:1-3). Because of stubborn unrepentance, in the eyes of the Lord this false church is a sickbed where the disease of sin is only multiplied to her lovers and children. Though she has many children, and many others are “in bed” with her, there is still time to sever all ties. The persistent mercy of Christ pervades the message. Do not allow teachings into your life that are out of alignment with the will of God.
Test all things; hold fast what is good. To the law and to the testimony! If they do not speak according to this word, it is because there is no light in them. 1 Thessalonians 5:21 and Isaiah 8:20