I have a little something on you for leaving Isabel

12 April 19890 Comments

In this spiritual sermon, His Holiness Pope Shenouda III speaks about the Lord’s message to the angel of the Church of Thyatira in the Book of Revelation: “I have this against you, that you allow the woman Jezebel.” He explains that “Jezebel” here is not a specific woman, but a symbol of evil and seduction — representing spiritual corruption, false teaching, and lack of discipline.

1. Jezebel as a Symbol of Evil
Pope Shenouda explains that Jezebel, the wife of King Ahab, introduced idolatry to Israel and caused great corruption. Thus, she became a lasting symbol of temptation and moral decay. In Revelation, she represents false teachings that lead people away from God.

2. The Responsibility of the Shepherd and Teacher
God does not only rebuke those who do wrong but also those who remain silent about wrongdoing. A shepherd is responsible not only for himself but for the souls of others. He must warn, guide, and correct. Silence before sin brings accountability before God.

3. Meaning of “You Allow the Woman Jezebel”
To “allow Jezebel” means to let things go without correction or discipline — a state of spiritual laxity. Indiscipline may appear in service, teaching, parenting, or personal life. When one neglects correction, evil grows and faith weakens.

4. Forms of Laxity in Life

Spiritual laxity: neglecting prayer, fasting, or serious spiritual struggle.
Laxity in teaching: when each one teaches by his own opinion, leading to division.
Laxity in family upbringing: parents failing to discipline their children.
Laxity in administration or rituals: altering the church order as one pleases.
Moral laxity: losing seriousness in conduct, modesty, and values.

5. The Danger of Laxity in Teaching
The Pope stresses that the Coptic Church has always been firm against doctrinal deviation. She did not compromise even with great scholars like Origen or Arius when they departed from the true faith. Such firmness preserved the unity of the faith.

6. Laxity in Responsibility
Every person in a position of authority — pastor, parent, or servant — must be vigilant, for God has set him as a “watchman,” as written in Ezekiel: “If you do not warn the wicked, his blood I will require at your hand.”

7. Remedy for Laxity
Correction should come through teaching, persuasion, and guidance — not violence. The Church established laws, doctrines, and traditions to help believers live with spiritual discipline and order.

8. Call to Spiritual Watchfulness
God gives man time to repent, but if he persists in negligence, judgment follows. Therefore, every believer must examine himself, stay spiritually awake, and avoid the carelessness that leads to separation from God.

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