“But that which you have already, hold fast till I come. And he that overcomes and keeps My works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations.”
Revelation 2:25-26
In enduring, it’s entrusting; in perplexity, it’s perseverance; in trials, it’s trusting.
“Hold fast till I come.”
Has there ever been a time in our lifetimes when this admonition is more needed to be heard and heeded? Not likely—for it seems everything’s in a state of upheaval right now. All “foundations”. . . whether financial, educational, sociological or even theological. . .are being shaken. And, in the process many who’ve walked the Pilgrim Highway find themselves questioning their own faith and wondering who/what’s right and wrong.
That’s why it’s important for us to hear Christ’s words to the church at Thyatira in today’s Manna. Located on the southern bank of the Lycus River in modern-day western Turkey, Thyatira was a thriving manufacturing and commercial city. There were numerous trade guilds there, which were often involved in pagan customs and rituals, including sacrifices to idols, sexual immoralities, etc.
Sadly, within the church in Thyatira there was a woman teacher named Jezebel, who taught the members that it was okay to indulge in such practices (v.20). No doubt she came across like so many “enlightened” professors today, citing the freedom we have in Grace (II Cor. 3:5-6, 17) as the basis for licentiousness. And, no doubt, those who refused to follow her teachings were lambasted and labels narrow-minded, legalistic fundamentalists, etc.
Such is always the case when you stand on Truth and refuse to fall for wrong.
But, do not lose heart, weary one.
The Lord of the Harvest knows your struggles and one of these days will “give you power over nations” and “the Morning Star” (v.28), which is victory over satan and his followers. Hallelujah!!
For now, the key is to “hold fast until He comes.”
The Greek word “krateo” is used here for “hold fast” and also means “seize, retain, hold onto, retain, have dominion over, etc.” Thus, it’s an intense, intentional, active effort that is militant in nature. It’s like the old-fashioned game of tug-of-war in which two sides seek to pull each other into a miry bog or water.
There’s no doubt we’re under such an attack these days in spiritual warfare. The evil one and his demonic cohorts are seeking to undermine your faith and fidelity on every front. They’ll tempt you to doubt what you’ve always believed and whisper, “Go ahead. Loosen up a bit. You’re too uptight and your beliefs are out-of-touch and out-of-date. Look around you and see how many are ‘catching the vision’. Come on in—the water’s fine!”
But, do not listen, Pilgrim. Instead, “hold fast to that which you already have.” The Lord is faithful and will give you what you need when you need it (I Cor. 10:13). Remember: Within you lies “the sure-and-steadfast Anchor of Hope, which has two chains that cannot be broken” (Heb. 6:17-20; 11:6). Therefore, don’t give in;look up instead (Heb. 12:2).
By Tom Smith Morning Manna February 13, 2010
