August 11, 202
The Book of Revelation starts with a very clear introduction: Jesus has a message for the Church. That message will be revealed (revealed is the actual meaning of the word apocalypse) to John. Jesus is portrayed symbolically in his glorified form – he has a sharp sword coming from his mouth and he stands among the seven churches. For Christians in a time of distress could there ever be a more encouraging image? The Lord Almighty is among you, watching over you. From this perspective Jesus begins his message by addressing the Churches. Jesus knows, he knows his churches intimately and nothing is hidden from him.
“I know” is how Jesus begins his address each time, whether the message is one of encouragement or one of reprimand, “I know” carries a lot of weight. To the child who has been up to no good, “I know” brings him or her up short. To the one suffering loss, loneliness and fear, “I know” brings comfort and assurance and the connection that can only exist with someone who has walked the same road that we are walking.
Jesus knows what we are dealing with:
- Rev 2:2 I know your works, your toil, and your patient endurance…I know you are enduring patiently and bearing up for my name’s sake and you have not grown weary
- Rev 2:9 I know your tribulation and your poverty (but you are rich) and the slander of those who say they are Jews and are not.
- Rev 2:13 I know you dwell where Satan’s throne is. Yet you hold fast to my name.
- Rev 2:15 I know your works, your love and faith and service and patient endurance.
- Rev 3:8 I know you have but a little power and yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name.
- Jesus knows when we are struggling he knows when we feel beaten and alone he knows how long we have been holding on and he wants us to know that he is with us.
Jesus knows who and what we really are, there is no fooling anyone:
- Rev 3:1 I know your works, you have the reputation of being alive but you are dead.
- Rev 3:15 I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot, you say I am rich… not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked.
- It’s easy to put on a good show and tell the world that you have all the answers to claim your good and righteous. You may fool some people, maybe even yourself, but you can’t fool Jesus, so time to give up the charade.
- In all we do as Churches we must remember that we belong to Christ and can only live if we live in Him. If we do then nothing can extinguish our light. If not, we are just dead branches to be gathered up and burned (Jn 15:6).
In all times and circumstances Jesus knows, he is with us he is watching us and encouraging us. In every moment, victory of defeat, temptation or determination, Jesus is there. May we be blessed and encouraged by always keeping this truth in our minds
~ Kevin Cleary