“I know…”
I KNOW your works, . . . I KNOW your affliction and your poverty, . . . I KNOW where you live, . . . I KNOW your works, . . . I KNOW your works, . . . I KNOW your works, . . . I KNOW your works. Rev 2:2, 9, 13, 19; 3:1, 8, 15.
A side-by-side comparison of these messages shows that they follow the same six-fold structure. Each open with Jesus addressing the specific church by name. The second part begins with the phrase, “These things say…” in which Jesus introduces Himself to each church using descriptions and symbols found in chapter 1. Those descriptions of Jesus were suited to the specific needs of each church. Thus, Jesus was pointing to His ability to meet the needs of their different struggles and situations. Next, Jesus gives an appraisal, and then He counsels the church on how to get out of the predicaments. Finally, each message concludes with an appeal to hear the Spirit’s message and with promises to overcome. In each of the messages, Jesus offers hope and answers the needs of each church in each situation. Hence, surely, He can meet our needs today, as well.
Jesus knew all about John as well. He had a plan and a purpose for his life.
Jesus knew John could handle the powerful visions that form the core of the message of Revelation (Rev 1:1). In writing out Revelation John was acting out Jesus’ design for his life (1:11, 19).
A common message to each of the seven churches is the clear assertion that Jesus knows all there is to know about each of the churches. Early in each “letter” is a statement like, “I know your works.” Jesus not only knows everything we do; He knows what we can become. He wants each church to become all that it can be. He wants each church to live according to His design.
If He knows the churches intimately, then He also knows the individuals in those churches. God has a design and a purpose for every person’s life. He told Jeremiah, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart” (Jer 1:5, NIV). If God had a unique design for Jeremiah and for John, and a unique purpose for each of the seven churches, there can be little doubt that He has a unique design for each one of us. But unlike Jeremiah and John, God’s design for our temperament and spiritual purpose is not always plain.
How is it with you? Do you understand God’s purpose and design for you? If so, are you living by it, or have you been distracted from it by the cares of this life?
Submit to God’s purpose for your life. Why should God reveal His purpose to you if you have no intention of following it? To paraphrase something Jesus said, “If you are willing to do His will, you will know. . .” John 7:17. Seek His purpose through prayer and study and as it becomes clearer to you, put it immediately into practice.