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Many see the Book of Revelation as terrifying. However, it is one more example of how the Lord reveals what is to come. In chapter 2, Jesus offered encouragement and warnings to believers. Such as in Revelation 2:24-25 - Now I say to the rest of you in Thyatira, to you who do not hold to her (Jezebel) teaching and have not learned Satan’s so-called deep secrets, ‘I will not impose any other burden on you, /except to hold on to what you have until I come.’
His audience was those who had not been seduced into spiritual adultery by the teachings of a Jezebel-like leader. The instruction raises the question of what it was that they had. In Revelation 2:19, He highlighted the things they did all because they believed in and obeyed Him - I know your deeds, your love and faith, your service and perseverance, and that you are now doing more than you did at first. Notice, He pointed to the way they lived their lives.
This convinced me to take my spiritual walk more seriously. I knew I needed to pay more attention to how my deeds reflected Him. Did my life illustrate His love and faith in the Father, or was it the opposite? Was I living a life of godly service and being a kingdom ambassador so that believers and unbelievers drew closer to God? Was I allowing the testing of my faith to produce perseverance, and how was I enduring under the weight (James 1:3)?
There was, and remains, plenty of room to improve. The toughest question, however, was whether I was doing more than I did when I gave my life (back) to Jesus. The hours spent studying the Bible, listening to sermons, praying, fasting, and in worship. I realized that while I do more than what I did when I received salvation, my zeal was not always where it needed to be on certain things. I knew that could be problematic and potentially lead to an Esau curse.
If you are wondering how Esau factors into this, let me paint the picture. Esau was the older of Isaac's twin sons and was to inherit a double portion of his father's estate. However, while hungry one day, he'd spoken idle words, saying, "What good is the birthright to me?" and he swore his inheritance over to Jacob, his brother. The Bible says he "despised his inheritance" (Genesis 25:32-34). All because of some lentil soup and the lack of wisdom.
Their mother encouraged Jacob to deceive their blind father into giving him the blessing intended for Esau. Despite all this, God hated Esau, not Jacob (Malachi 1:2-3). While there may be many explanations for this, I've always understood God's reaction as stemming from Esau devaluing the gift that was his birthright. The way He spoke of and treated his inheritance was disrespectful to his father and the sweat that brought it about. He, therefore, did not hold on to what he had. Many have the same attitude, but toward Jesus, and I believe that this can create serious problems with God.
I had to ask if I, as a born-again Christian, was irresponsible with what I had freely received through Jesus? Was I taking God's grace, mercy, and love for granted by failing to remember what Jesus saved me from? And was I also failing to prioritize the other factors Jesus spoke of to the remnant in Thyatira? Was I holding on to what I already had by remembering Him and honoring His sacrifice through the way I lived?
Do these questions apply to you as well? Do you still enjoy the joy of the Lord's salvation as you once did? If so, then studying His word would be something you strive to do. Has the value you attach to the things of God diminished? If so, you'll struggle to live a life that reflects godly deeds, love, and faith. It will also feel cumbersome to serve in a manner that pleases the Lord, to be patient enough to persevere till the promise, and to have the zeal to do more, not less, than you did at first.
I'm still praying for grace to improve, knowing only God's help can make a difference. I also had to pray that He'd show me who to serve, how best to do so, and that He'd grant the capacity to do everything as He desires. This means being intentional to listen and be led to those He wants me to interact with. I'm far from perfect, but the Lord keeps guiding me forward, and Jesus never stops advocating. I keep going because I don't want to take salvation for granted and possibly miss the pathway to heaven available to me.
God is asking you to let Him do the same with you. He wants to give you a new heart and mind that prioritizes His concerns (Matthew 6:33). Troubles will come, but He will guide you past them victoriously. Be still and let Him be God (Psalm 46:10). To do this, you need a closer relationship with Him and must put in the work to maintain that relationship so it bears fruit for His glory. Jesus is coming back soon, and on that day, we must be holding on to what we freely received because of the uneven exchange at the cross. Ask Him for help so you don't squander His gift the way Esau despised his birthright. God bless you.
As you await fellowship at Noon EST, consider reading the Altar Call below and the following previous P&P messages:
