Power Over the Nations
W. Burnet, M. A. Revelation 2:18-29 And to the angel of the church in Thyatira write; These things said the Son of God, who has his eyes like to a flame of fire… I. POWER IS IN MANY CASES THE RESULT OF CONQUEST. Even in this life victory brings new strength. Physical force is attained by a long series of efforts. The blacksmith's brawny, sinewy arm is the natural consequence of years of vigorous strokes upon the anvil. Intellectual strength grows in the same way. It is in great measure acquired by mental application, and comes from painful, persevering endeavours to master some of the branches of art or science. This is a law of our being, the great principle, according to which the All-wise and Almighty Ruler of the world dispenses His gifts. It is, therefore, not surprising to find the same method applied to the highest and noblest kind of power, known as moral and spiritual. The ability to refuse the evil and choose the good, as well as to lead others to do the same, is indeed a special gift of God's grace, and yet it is the result of constant, persevering effort. In short, this promise to Thyatira is being continually fulfilled in the present life. II. At the same time, FOR ITS LARGEST AND TRUEST ACCOMPLISHMENT WE MUST LOOK ON TO THE GRAND AND GLORIOUS FUTURE. It is to him that shall have overcome, and kept Christ's works to the end, that He here promises power over the nations. "The royalties of Christ," remarks Archbishop Trench, "shall by reflection and communication be the royalties also of His Church. They shall reign, but only because Christ reigns, and because He is pleased to share His dignity with them. (W. Burnet, M. A.) Parallel Verses KJV: And unto the angel of the church in Thyatira write; These things saith the Son of God, who hath his eyes like unto a flame of fire, and his feet are like fine brass; WEB: "To the angel of the assembly in Thyatira write: "The Son of God, who has his eyes like a flame of fire, and his feet are like burnished brass, says these things: