I know... to the one who conquers
-- Revelation 2 (multiple)
Sometimes we feel forgotten. We feel like we are on our own. We feel alone. The feelings are real. The reality is far different.
Jesus tells the Apostle John to give messages to seven churches (four in this chapter). These are real first century churches, real people, real problems, real persecutions. And to each he says:
I know...
Five times he says, I know your works...
We often want to shine the spotlight on any good we do (and want to hide other things, thoughts and actions in a dark closet). God sees. But he doesn't see through frowning eyes. Jesus says, "...this I have against you..." (or something along those lines) to several of these churches. However, rather than following with condemnation, he gives correction: "You are doing this... now do this..."
Once, to a condemning and murderous crowd Christ said, "Whoever has not sinned, cast the first stone." And to the woman who was the object of their vengeance he said, "I don't condemn you, now go and sin no more." In other words: I know you... who you are and what you've done. You have been doing this... now do this...
To one he says, I know your tribulation...
We never walk a valley too deep or through a night so dark that we are beyond the sight of our God. Trials and circumstances may at times block our view of God, but his vision is always clear and his eyes are constantly on his children. At times we may feel obscure, alone or abandoned - but we are not. Even in the shadowy valleys that smell of death, he is present. I wish he always made us aware of his presence. But maybe that is part of the beauty. Faith (in my experience) is often built retrospectively; it is in reflection that we see that we were not alone.
To one he says, I know where you dwell...
Sometimes Christian answers are trite. When we don't know how to respond, or we are just too uncomfortable to face a difficult reality, we offer up pithy platitudes (usually well-intentioned, but powerless). When we are the one struggling, we want to know someone is with us. We need to have someone understand what we are living through, in, and under. We need someone... in our kitchen.
Jesus sees the hidden places, the closets of pain and desperation, the attics of guilt, and the basements of regret. There is no corner of our dwelling place that he cannot illuminate with his light. (Note: you and I must be willing to be the light-bearers to others - even when we are struggling in semi-darkness ourselves.)
There is a very personal and intimate sense to this thought: I know where you dwell. Go ahead and make the coffee - two cups; as Jesus said to Zacchaeus, "I'm coming to your house today."
...to the one who conquers...
The idea here is not one of (our) power. It is more of weakness that won't give in. God calls us to persevere; and he provides the strength to hold on. He is, as the Apostle Paul wrote, ...able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us... (Ephesians 3:20). Though we are weak, we are conquerors in the making.
God, you know; enable me to conquer.
For now...
D
