Jesus Sees (Revelation 2:9)

I know your tribulation and your poverty... — Jesus (Revelation 2:9)

The church in Smyrna was a persecuted church destined for a set period of suffering. In his letter to this church, Jesus, through the Apostle John, told them he knew all they were about to endure. First, he saw it coming. Second, he had experienced their pain while on the cross. He knew.

Jesus sees the suffering of his people. He watches and observes. Nothing escapes his loving eye. This truth should encourage us, rather than discourage us, though sometimes it does. He is all-knowing but also all-powerful, so why are there times he allows us to pass through the fiery furnace? The church in Smyrna was about to suffer a trial, and our omniscient and omnipotent Lord saw it, warned them about it, yet did not stop it from arriving.

Does this mean our Lord was not acting on their behalf? Not at all. He was doing much for the church there, strengthening them with his words and empowering them with the presence of his Spirit. Their pain would not be without reward; their region would hear the gospel because of their dutiful entrance into struggle.

Christ had also worked powerfully for them by securing victory over the second death. Though the first death might take them, they would not die forever–Christ had won everlasting life for them.

Sometimes, this is the work Christ chooses to do for us. In his infinite wisdom, he decides to express his love and power to us with life at the end. Rather than preserve us from every potential pain on earth today, Christ chose to deliver us from every pain forever through the gift of eternal life with him. He decided to do a permanent work rather than a temporary one.

But today, he knows. He knows our tribulation and poverty. He sees and empathizes with every suffering believer. He knows the pain the persecuted and marginalized church endures worldwide. And he knows it won't last forever. One day, the sun will rise with healing in its wings. One day, the journey will be complete, and glory will arise when we enter into eternity with him.