The God Who Knows
If you take a look at chapters 2 and 3 of Revelation, you’ll find something very unique: messages that were specifically from God, addressed to a New Testament church. That is to say, it was not written in the style of an epistle, (as a letter from an apostle), but of a prophecy (coming from God).
And just what is God saying in these messages to His believers? Well, He has a variety of messages for each of the seven churches, but beyond that, one recurring theme is present.
God knows very well what is going on in His churches
Each time God addresses one of His churches, He gives a brief introduction describing who it is that is talking to them (God Almighty), and then He begins His assessment of the church. And it always begins with “I know…”
It seems that the first thing that He wants to say is: “I know what you’re going through, and I can see the situation that you’re in.”
God’s Knowledge of the Seven Churches
- Ephesus: “I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience” -Rev 2:2
- Smyrna: “I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan.” -Rev 2:9
- Pergamos: “I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, even where Satan’s seat is: and thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith” -Rev 2:13
- Thyatira: “I know thy works, and charity, and service, and faith, and thy patience, and thy works; and the last to be more than the first.” -Rev 2:19
- Sardis: “I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead.” -Rev 3:1
- Philadelphia: “I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name.” -Rev 3:8
- Laodicea: “I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot.” -Rev 3:15
God is watching intently, and He has a plan
Whatever situation of life you are in, be assured that God is watching you very closely. He is seeing if you will seek after Him, and depend upon Him, or forsake Him as difficulties arise. But, know that He certainly knows and understands exacty what you are going through, and how you feel.
“And the LORD said, I have surely seen the affliction of my people which are in Egypt, and have heard their cry by reason of their taskmasters; for I know their sorrows;” -Exodus 3:7
God is waiting and watching to see how you will respond to your hardships and trials. He is trying your faith to see if it will endure and last; but once He has proved it, He will send blessings. Once He has seen your faithfulness, He will reveal His plan and put it into motion.
“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you. And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart. And I will be found of you, saith the LORD: and I will turn away your captivity, and I will gather you from all the nations, and from all the places whither I have driven you, saith the LORD; and I will bring you again into the place whence I caused you to be carried away captive.” -Jeremiah 29:11-14
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