Revelation 2:19-29. Jesus' message to the church in Thyatria is that he knows of their works, their love, faith, service, and patient endurance, and that their latter works exceed their first. His complaint with them is that they have tolerated Jezebel "who calls herself a prophetess and is teaching and beguiling my servants to practice immorality." God is getting ready to punish Jezebel because he has already given her time to repent and she has refused. All those who "commit adultery with her" will be thrown into the great tribulation unless they repent. Jezebel's children will be struck dead. Thus, all the Church will know that God searches minds and hearts and gives to each as their works deserve. But to the rest of the faithful in Thyatria, who have "not learned what some would call the deep things of Satan" Jesus says "I do not lay upon you any other burden; only hold fast what you have, until I come." Those who conquer by keeping God's works until the end will be given power over nations to rule with rod of iron, just as Jesus has been given such power by his Father, and they will be given the morning star.

Let's take this message as applying to the Church today. The Church has been running the race of history, its works have been good, it has shown love, faith, perseverance, and patient endurance. Jesus knows that and he loves each one of us and will reward all goodness. But has the Church also been tolerating Jezebel, especially lately? And note that Jesus uses that very word - "tolerate" - to condemn what the Church in Thyatria has done. The Church must never tolerate false teaching and practices. If it does it will be the cause of the fall of many souls. Tolerance is not a virtue, it is evil when the thing being tolerated is evil. And yes, the Church today is tolerating Jezebel, it is tolerating wickedness and false teaching that are leading many from the Truth. It must stop.

Just as in Revelation, there will be time for repentance for everyone who was led astray by Jezebel (but there will be no more time for Jezebel, she has already been given her time). The great tribulation has begun and the time for repentance is now. Everyone who has been tolerating or condoning false teachings and wrong behavior must stop now, especially priests and bishops. They will suffer the most for apostasy because of their important duty.

But, for those of the faithful who feel battle-weary and have been fighting Jezebel and the evil influences within the Church, Jesus tells them do not worry. Your battle is almost done and he will not lay any further burden upon you! All we must do now is keep the faith, hold fast until he comes, and he is coming soon!