I recently visited the ancient city of Thyatira, home to one of the seven churches in Revelation. It was once known for the purple dye it produced, which was used to make extremely expensive purple garments: clothing for the wealthy. Today, only crumbling ruins remain.

It was also known for a woman named Jezebel who claimed to be a prophetess. For Christians, the name Jezebel immediately invokes thoughts of an Old Testament woman known for her conniving, evil ways who died a horrible death. The New Testament version is just as corrupt, and her end and those who follow her will be equally severe. Jesus gave her an opportunity to repent, but she chose not to.

There are many ways to approach this subject, but today my thoughts are directed toward numerous events that have filled social media over the past few months. We seem to be in a season where several ministers and ministries have fallen into sin. When that happens, the world delights in using their sin to paint a picture of all Christians. While that is far from the truth, people looking for any excuse to deny God immediately use it to justify themselves.

Are there corrupt, conniving, deceitful people in the pulpits of today? Unfortunately, there are. But you cannot measure the whole by the actions of a few. Many serve the Lord with very little recognition, no huge salaries, no mansions, and no fancy cars. They serve God because they love Him and want to share the Gospel to the best of their ability to a lost and dying world. 

Today, I want to commend and encourage all the faithful servants and children of God. Do not become discouraged. Do not grow weary in well-doing. One day God will deal with all the Jezebel spirits who have infiltrated the church. While the world becomes increasingly hostile to Christianity, it will be worth whatever we face to hear Jesus say, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”