We know it’s not about our works. But reminded this morning that He knows it is!

“To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: ‘The words of Him who holds the seven stars in his right hand, who walks among the seven golden lampstands. I know your works, your toil and your patient endurance, and how you cannot bear with those who are evil, but have tested those who call themselves apostles and are not, and found them to be false. I know you are enduring patiently and bearing up for my name’s sake, and you have not grown weary. But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first.'”

(Revelation 2:1-4 ESV)

Started in on the letters to the seven churches in Revelation. Blessed, says John, are those who read them, hear them, and keep them — for the time is near (1:3). And what I’m reading this morning, and what I’m hearing loud and clear, is that the One who walks among the churches (2:1) knows our works. He monitors our performance. He has an opinion about what we do and why we’re doing it.

To be sure, as I scan over all seven letters, He knows a lot of other stuff too. Our patient endurance (2:3). The tribulation we go through (2:9). The context in which we dwell (2:13). Our lack of power and yet our desire to keep on keepin’ on (3:8b). But what strikes me is that in five of the seven letters the Lord of the churches leads with this:

I know your works.

Does Jesus know? Yeah, He knows. Perfectly, actively, perpetually. The One who called us to live for Him knows how we’re living for Him. The one who wants us to walk a worthy walk (Eph. 4:1) sees without restriction how worthy our walk is. The One who wants to live in us and through us is actually aware of how in us and through us it’s going.

A little intimidating? I’m thinkin’ . . .

But the One who knows about our works is also in our corner. With straight-up correction, solid coaching, and spiritual capital to overcome. For those who have ears to hear, there are promised blessings to obtain. And this because He knows our works.

Something I heard, or read, comes to mind: He loves us just the way we are, but He loves us way too much to leave us just the way we are.

‘Cause He knows. He knows our frame. He knows our failures. And, He knows the fullness that is ours in Him and through Him.

Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!

(Psalm 139:23-24 ESV)

Does Jesus know? Yeah, He knows.

Does Jesus care? Oh yes, He cares!

Because of grace. For His glory.