My Sunday School class is beginning a study of Revelation. I am not quite sure I like that. I mean, I know it is a part of the Bible that I love so much, and it seems to most people (as it seemed for the last 2000 years) that we are living in the Last Days, so I want to be aware of the indications of the return of my Lord, but I am still conflicted over whether I want to know all about what is coming (which, by the way, the Lord said no one would) or whether I want to be blissfully ignorant and simply comfort myself with the fact that no matter what terrible circumstances come, I am safe in the arms of my Redeemer.
So, while I am figuring that all out, we are beginning to read the first three chapters of Revelation. In reading chapters one and two, the teacher pointed out something that stuck with me, and continues to soothe my soul. Over and over again, to the seven churches mentioned in Revelation, Jesus makes the same comment. He says, “I KNOW. I know your situation. I know how you have been and are struggling. I know your tears, your fears, your joys and your foibles. I know everything about you. I KNOW!” When we are in the depths of despair- Jesus knows. When our hearts are breaking over lost, sick or wayward loved ones, Jesus knows. When we face tough financial times, when we loose financial security or savings, Jesus knows. When we face the hardships of life alone, and no other human person can be there for us, Jesus knows. He is there. And in today’s chaotic world, just as in the apostle John’s days on the island of Patmos, and surrounding cities of that time, Jesus knows it all.
Jesus indeed knows it all- the good, the bad, and the ugly, for even in those moments when we think that no one else is looking, in those secret places where we know we are alone with our sin, Jesus knows. Jesus knows our hardships and struggles, and He knows when we succumb in the battle with sin and give in to it.
But Jesus does not just end it there with the knowing. He does not say, “I know all about you, ha, ha, ha,” and leave us hanging on a string to be judged by His knowledge. No. He knows, and He offers help. He did not say to the seven churches-“ I know about you, so there. Too bad for you.” And He does not say that to us, either. He does not leave His creation dangling over the precipice of fear, judgment and condemnation. He knows the way of man, and from the beginning, prepared a plan to buy humanity back from its destruction. God the Father sent a Redeemer to accomplish the work of salvation. That work is finished. It needs only to be applied to individual hearts now, and Jesus in His wisdom in Revelation offers the answers to the question of – what now- that we have, once we understand the reality that Jesus knows us so deeply.
Jesus knows our toil, our perseverance, our endurance. He knows we can not endure evil men (Rev.2:2) He knows our hard times and poverty (2:9). He knows where we live, and Satan’s footholds and meddling in our lives (2:13). Jesus knows our deeds, our love and faith and service, even when no one else does (2:19).
He knows all we do and say, whether we are alive or just faking it, whether we are hot or cold (3:1,8,15). He knows where we are at, and has compassion on us, and tells us what to do next, and how to get closer to Him in our relationship.
Jesus says he knows all our sins and troubles, and here is what to do about it all. He tells us to remember (2:5) where we have been, what He has brought us out of, and through. Remember what our life was like without Him; before Him. He tells us “Do not fear” (2:10). Whatever life looks like or how things seem to be, do not fear, just trust Him and stick close. Jesus tells us to hold fast (2:13, 25). When we think we can’t go on, when we think no one knows or cares, Jesus says He knows, He cares, and if we will just hold fast to Him and His Truth, we will make it. Jesus tells us to repent (2:16). He knows it all anyway, so there is no need to try to hide our sin, or cover it up, or act as though we have it under control. We may fool others, but we cannot bluff Him. Our solution to the pains and hardships of sin is to confess and repent. Repenting means letting go of it, turning from it and going the other way. Instead of going away from a close relationship with Jesus ( which is where sin takes us) we need to repent and go toward Jesus, closer in relationship to Him.
We are admonished in Rev. 3:2, to wake up. How wonderful it is to awaken to the knowledge of God’s working in our lives. When we wake up to the fact that He is over every aspect of our lives, that every breath and beat of our heart is a gift from Him, and that He is indeed working in our lives for our good and His glory, we see each moment in a new light, and are able to better remember, hold fast, repent, and not be afraid. We see Him at work in it all, and we are able to trust more.
Jesus tells us to also keep His word. We are to keep His word to us individually as well as His word to us in the form of His holy scriptures. We must know the Word of God, study His written word, and be attentive to His voice whispering daily words to us to help us in every situation. Keep attentive to His Word.
Jesus knows. He gives us instructions on what we are to do, and then He gives an awesome promise to those who will follow Him through thick and thin. To each of the 7 churches, and to us as believers, He states that He is looking for overcomers. To those who follow His words and by them overcome, He promises us life eternal with Him (1:7, 11), a crown of life(2:10), hidden manna, a new name (1:17), authority (1:26), and the morning star (1:28). We overcomers will be clothed in white garments, totally free from sin and death. Overcomers will become pillars in the temple of God, spiritually woven together with God in Christ Jesus, to be one with Him in everlasting harmony, purity and total fulfillment. Those who overcome will live and reign with our Maker and Lord forever.
So in the times ahead, that certainly look to be challenging at the least, and have much potential to be devastating to body and soul, we must realize that even in the darkest hour, Jesus knows. He cares. And if we cast our lot in with Him, remember, repent, hold fast, don’t fear, wake up to the fact that He is moving and working in our lives every moment, and keep His word to us, we will overcome- our lives hidden in Him. We will forever live in a new life so close and intertwined with our Divine, that we will not be moved, shaken or ever separated again.
Take heart. Jesus knows. Stick with Him. He will not let you go. Do not let go of Him.