Hold On

Devotional by Cheryl Hall-Laos

Jesus’s message to the church of Thyatira is a message for His faithful followers now. He states, “I know your deeds, your love and faith, your service and perseverance, and that you are now doing more (in My service) than you did at first.” How wonderful to hear of a church that is doing it right! BUT there’s a problem… “Nevertheless, I have this against you, you tolerate that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophet. By her teaching, she misleads my servants into sin. She refuses to repent, though I have given her time; therefore I will cast her on a bed of suffering, and those that follow her will suffer intensely unless they repent; and I will strike her children dead...” (Revelation 2:18-29).

This message seems harsh, but those that leave the Truth of God’s teaching for Satan’s, have removed themselves from the umbrella of God’s blessing and protection. This message is for our churches in 2023. So many churches are trying to mix the truth of God’s word with the current woke ideological trends that are sweeping through our culture, even though they are opposing messages.

“Trust the science,” has sadly replaced, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart.” “Trust your feelings,” has replaced, “Do not trust your heart, for it is deceitfully wicked! Who can know it?” “Love is love,” has replaced, “A man shall leave his mother and father and cleave unto his wife and the two shall become one flesh. Therefore, what God has joined together, let not man destroy.” “Compassion is showing Jesus,” may sound correct, until they are referring to the condoning of surgical castration of young boys, and breast removal of young girls. This “compassion” is stripping our youth of their God-given identity and causing them to be four times as likely to commit suicide. Words are being twisted, wielded like weapons, deceiving many.

Jesus then turns to those that haven’t fallen for the lies and deception… “I say to the rest of you who do not hold to her teachings 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 (in Me) until I come.” He knows we are burdened watching this deception unfold, and seeing people we thought knew better falling for the lies. Our hearts are heavy… but His burden is Light, and he urges us to just hold on to what is True - Him! This Jezebel spirit that is wreaking havoc will soon be silenced by His Holy Judgment.