I Have a Bone to Pick With You

The Garden Lounge at The Bridge has unofficially become Eddie’s office, which is just across the hall from mine. When he’s in the building, I’ll sometimes hear a sound and when I look up, Eddie is peering in my office window with some kind of look on his face. I’ll motion for him to come in and he will dramatically throw open my door and say “I’ve got a bone to pick with you!” In fact, he does not have a bone to pick with me, but that’s his excuse to meander over and raid my candy dish.

Jesus has a bone to pick with the church at Thyatira and it’s over no trivial matter. This church, whose love and faith, service and perseverance are increasing is tolerating a false prophet- a Jezebel- in their midst. In other words, they are not interfering with or trying to stop her from leading others away from the faithful pursuit of Christ and into “Satan’s so-called deep secrets”.

Sometimes our love for a person can lead us to look the other way and excuse their sin. We tolerate what Jesus died to atone for. But God’s love for His people demands that sin be dealt with.

Church, what are we tolerating that Jesus would not?

Judgement can seem like an unfair thing. “What right do you have to judge me”? “Who made you the judge?” These are retorts quickly made when we feel judged. And it’s true, we are not The Judge. We can never know the fullness of a person’s heart, but there is One who does.

Jesus is the Righteous Judge. He is long suffering and abounding in mercy. He gave the false prophetess at Thyatira time to repent and delayed punishment. The One who searches hearts and minds knew she was not willing to do so, and for the sake of those who were being deceived He began to execute judgement. And amazingly, even that judgement could be stayed by repentance.

A day is coming when judgement will come- finally and fully. Until then, Jesus stands at the door and knocks, waiting to see who will hear His voice and open the door. What Jesus offers us is infinitely better than the Dove chocolates in my candy dish. He gives us Himself- the Morning Star.

Do you hear Him knocking? Church, do we hear Him knocking? Will we heed His knock as a call to repent and beckon others to do the same?

May we hold on faithfully until He comes again!

Natalie