Jesus Know. Take Heart! A Look At the Seven Churches in Revelation

Early on in the book of Revelation there are seven historic churches mentioned by name, addressed with specific messages from Jesus. Each of the church had slightly different contexts, but despite their unique settings, Jesus knew their peaks and valleys.

Jesus knew the trouble of the churches. Jesus knew that some Christians were dying for their faith (like Antipas in Pergamum 2:13). Jesus knew that some would experience persecution soon (like the believers in Smyrna 2:10). Jesus knew the false teachings that were being spread (like the Nicolaitan heresy in Ephesus and Pergamum 2:6 & 2:15). Jesus knew the inappropriate sexual conduct of some that were following a false teacher in Thyatira (one named Jezebel in 2:20).

Jesus knew the inner hearts of those who outwardly seemed to be doing well, but inwardly had no love towards the Lord (like those in Ephesus 2:4 and Laodicea in 3:15). Jesus knew the history of each of these churches, often making mention of specific cultural landmarks (Like the water in Laodicea 3:16, the multiple names and renaming of Philadelphia). Jesus knew the unique encouragement and rebuke each church needed. Jesus knew the warning and the promise to give to each unique church.

Jesus knew all of this for these seven churches. Jesus knows what we are going through individually. Jesus knows what we are going through together as a church. Jesus knows exactly the challenges we face. Jesus knows exactly the rebukes we need. Jesus knows exactly the encouragement we need. Jesus knows exactly the warnings to send, and the reminders of his promises. Jesus knows. That is a tremendous comfort that we can take from these seven messages to these seven churches.

Dear Christian friend, what are your wounds? What are your sins? What are your regrets? What are your hopes? What are your desires? What are you weary of? What makes you sick? What excites you? What tempts you? What attracts you? What do you long for? What are you afraid of? What do you flee from? What do you run towards? Jesus knows. Take comfort, dear friend. Jesus knows. Do not try to hide from him. Go to him. Jesus knows. Take courage! Jesus knows.