THE LORD KNOWS
REVELATION 2:19
REVELATION 2:19 NKJ
19 I know you works, love, service, faith, and your patience: and as for your works, the last are more than the first.
This is a serious vision from the Lord to the apostle John. John was the author of the gospel of John and First, Second, and Third John. In his early letters, especially First John, he wrote about walking in love. The importance of walking in the God kind of love. In the book of Revelation, love is mentioned, but it's not the main theme. In His message to the churches, the one thing that is mentioned to every church is works. To all the churches, the Lord states that He knows their works. He knows what they are doing. The implied message is He knows what they are doing for Him and His kingdom. We can easily gather that the Lord expects His church, His body, to be busy doing things for Him. The Lord knows. But that is not all He knows. To this particular church in Thyatira, He also lists some things that are important to Him. Works, love, service, faith, and their perseverance. And that their works have grown.
The picture we get from the Lord's message to all the churches is that He is not passively sitting by. He is very much aware of what these churches are doing and what they are not doing. He knows about how they live out the commandment to love one another. He knows the ministry (service) they are doing in their area. He knows where they are believing and acting on His words and how they do not quit under pressure. Evidently, these are things that are important to the Lord and should be important to us also.
APPLICATION:
Because we preach a lot about the love, grace, and goodness of the Lord, we can view our relationship with Him as one-sided. We see what He has done for us. There is absolutely nothing wrong with a focus on what He has done, providing we add our side into the relationship. What are we doing for Him? The Lord held the seven churches accountable for their actions and how they operated. He has not ceased to hold churches and His people accountable today. All of us have different roles, but all of us will give an account to the Lord. In Romans 14:10-12, Paul writes that all of us will have to give an account to God. Sobering? Yes, but always keep in mind He never gives us more than we can handle. And all of us can work for Him, walk in love and faith, serve His people and not quit when pressured. The Lord knows.
PRAYER:
Help me, Lord, to live for You in such a way that You will be pleased with my works, love, faith, service, and perseverance.