One of the game-changer words in the English language is a 3-letter word- “But.” I think we have all experienced the power of “but.”
“I like you but…”
“You really do good work and you are conscientious but…”
“I love you and I know we have a lot of years together but…”
“We know you have a family and we really appreciate the years you have given us but…”
The power of “but.”
Here you go: “I know your deeds, and your love and faith, and service and perseverance and that your deeds of late are greater than at first. But…” (Rev. 2: 13-20) Oh, how that had to hurt! I think it hurt worse because of two things”
- Their track record was solid and was recently getting better
BUT…
- They tolerated evil. Sin. Jezebel. I don’t think this is necessarily the name of a real woman in the church (who would name their daughter Jezebel?), but a throwback reference to the Jezebel of the OT. Ahab’s wife. Evil to the core. The same Jezebel Elijah scuffled with. The same Jezebel who led Israel (via Ahab) into sin. The same Jezebel who had Naboth killed over a vineyard that Ahab wanted. The same Jezebel who died and the dogs left nothing of her.
Pretty strong word: “but.” But a word designed to stop them in their tracks and realize her influence and what they have allowed in the church.
God’s plan: Get rid of her. Get rid of her children and that includes those in the church who have embraced her sin.
BUT…for those who haven’t good things are awaiting. I love that “but” there! (v.24)
“Father, may I not allow the power of sin to overwhelm me. Help me to say No to the influence of Jezebel.”
I’m going at almost 41 years of being a Christian. I sure hope there’s not a “but” in my future!
a good “but” is found in Ephesians 2:4. That is a good “but God.” Cling to that Ed
There are two sides of every “but”… usually a positive and a negative… My goal is trying to avoid being caught in the middle.
I know… That was bad…
In all seriousness, but is definitely a word to take notice of and evaluate. Can change the entire meaning and expectation of a verse or group of verses.
Yes it was bad. 🙂 But you are also right about the change it can make in a verse or group of verses.
Jezebel was certainly the wicked witch of the west, Bill. I pray we all stay far away from the modern day Jezebels!
Blessings!
No argument here Martha. She and Delilah are to be avoided.
Father, help to be on the lookout for the Jezebel’s that cross my path. Jezebels are good at being persuasive for their own evil desires. Help me to put Jezebels words up against scripture, and follow only my Fathers path.
Great prayer Gail and one which needs to repeated over and over.