April 15 | Revelation 2:18-29

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DAILY READING

Revelation 2: 18-29

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REFLECTION

Dyed in the Wool

 By Jenny Raber

I enjoy a small daily indulgence: the NYT Word Games. When solving the Strands puzzle recently, I discovered an old phrase: dyed in the wool. Having no clue of its meaning, Google informed: “someone who has very strong, uncompromising beliefs or habits that they are unwilling to change.”  When wool is dyed in its natural state, before it is woven, the color penetrates every fiber deeply and permanently, making it more durable and resistant.

Thyatira was the smallest and least significant of the seven cities Jesus addresses in Revelation.  A city known for its trade guilds, it was particularly known for the trade of wool and the dyeing of it. We first learn of Thyatira in the Book of Acts, when we meet “a woman from the city of Thyatira named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth. She was a worshiper of God.” (Acts 16: 14). Lydia knew the meaning of “dyed in the wool,” both literally and figuratively.

Why, then, does Jesus, the Son of God, address this unimportant city? Because Thyatira, a beacon of Christ’s light and presence in the world, was living with a subtle and insidious problem—one that presents itself to us daily, especially if we are not dyed in the wool for Jesus Christ.

Thyatira was praised for being a good church—doing good deeds, persevering in love, faith, and service; however, sin lived within. Whether the sin began with an actual woman named Jezebel or someone as insidious as the evil Old Testament Jezebel remains unclear. But what is clear is, like “a little yeast works through the whole batch of dough” (Gal. 5: 9), sin was taking over—turning God’s people away from the spiritual purity and morality He created.

When we open the door—even a crack—to sin, we risk infecting our whole being, the whole church. When we tolerate immorality as “normal” or “no big deal,” our hearts become deceived. Sneaky, beguiling sins turn us away from God. Sins that sound like: “Did God really say…” (Gen. 3: 1, emphasis added). Gossip, envy, comparison, self-justification, pride—these are sins that ambush us daily. If our hearts are not prepared—if our hearts are not fixed on things from above—sin will infect us.  Jesus, however, “whose eyes are like blazing fire” (v. 18), sees right through us and right into our hearts and minds. When He sees our sin (even small, insignificant sins), He patiently gives us time and opportunity to turn our hearts and minds back to Him. He graciously and mercifully offers us repentance. Repentance reinstates our relationship with Him. But be forewarned: refusal to repent, like Jezebel, brings about severe, intense suffering. Jesus will not tolerate an unwillingness to repent.

We must, therefore, prepare our hearts and minds for life in this world. We must allow Jesus Christ to penetrate into every fiber of our being so that we become durable and resistant in the face of sin and immorality. We must be dyed in the wool for the uncompromising One who died in the wool for us, our Savior—the Lamb of God. And when we hold firm in our faith in Jesus Christ until He comes again—obeying His will to the very end—He promises us victory! Jesus Christ promises us the heavenly kingdom and He offers Himself to us as our Morning Star— illuminating hope, shining His love through us, and tenderly guiding us into Eternal Life with Him.

PRAYER

Heavenly Father, help me prepare daily for this worldly life. Search my heart and my mind and help me to fix my thoughts on whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent and praiseworthy. Penetrate deep into my being and strengthen my faith so that I do not grow discouraged. Daily direct me toward your bright light, reminding me of your unending and gracious love. In Your Holy Name, Amen.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

JENNY RABER

I am so grateful for the loving and welcoming community at UALC. My husband and I, along with our three (now adult) children began attending Lytham Road services around 2009. And before that, well, I’ve just loved the Bible for about as long as I can remember. I am so thrilled to be a part of the Daily Devotional Writing Team.