Give Me Some Space
Have you ever said this or something similar? We usually say it in reference to the need to clear our heads for a period of time or have some time to ourselves. If we haven’t said it, surely we have thought it on occasions. Interestingly, God does this for a woman in the book of Revelation. She is referred to as “Jezebel.” Whether this is her real name or a nickname God has given her, we do not know. In Revelation 2, speaking to the church at Thyatira, the Lord speaks through John saying in verses 20-21:
Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols. And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not.
We don’t know all that she is doing, but the Lord does not look favorably upon her for her actions and for what she is leading others to do. It is obvious that her actions are sinful, and it is interesting to note how God is responding to her. Verse 21 says that He has given her “space” to repent. He is being patient with her, mercifully giving her time to repent of her sin. Aren’t you glad God gives us space to repent? But as always, we have a decision to make. When God is obviously dealing with us, do we fall on our knees, confess, and ask His forgiveness? We should! Did this Jezebel? The Bible plainly says that after graciously being given this period of time to make her actions right with God, “she repented not.” Do you wonder why? I do too. This woman, referred to as “Jezebel,” stubbornly refused to repent.
We all sin. Sometimes we sin willfully. How do you respond when God’s Spirit speaks to you? When we have sinned, most often God gives us our space. When prodded by the Holy Spirit, we either keep soft hearts and make things right or we stubbornly refuse just as this woman did. The verses following in Revelation 2 make it clear that we bring strong chastisement upon ourselves if we do not take advantage of the time or “space” God gives us to repent. Keep your heart soft. Heed His Spirit. Don’t allow sin to linger. Get it right…today! And thank Him for His longsuffering which provides you with the “space” to get things right.