"Jesus Knows" December 15 Readings: Micah 3-4, Revelation 2:12–29, Psalm 142, Proverbs 30:21-23
Reading the Bible in 2025
Each day this year, we will read a selection from the Old Testament, the New Testament, a portion of the Psalms, and a part of Proverbs. By the end of the year, you will have read the entire Bible. We read this way to give you a bit of variety.
NOTE: If you get behind, do not give up. Read today's readings and try to catch up when you have a chance. The goal is not to "accomplish a task" but to meet God in his word. Read the word. Also, if you are short on time, READ GOD'S WORD and skip my devotional!
Bible Readings: Micah 3-4, Revelation 2:12–29, Psalm 142, Proverbs 30:21-23
Scriptures linked to Bible Gateway in ESV version
Daily Devotional: Jesus Knows
Wouldn't you love to know exactly what Jesus Christ thinks of your church? Wouldn't it be interesting (or, perhaps, horrifying) to get a report card from him, a progress report that says exactly what he thinks of how we are doing as a church? There are seven churches that got exactly that - the seven churches of Asia Minor in Revelation 2 and 3. Yesterday we talked about Ephesus. Today, we read the letters that Jesus sent to the churches of Pergamum and Thyatira.
One of my struggles has always been dealing with the opinions of others. When people have been angry at me or critical, it buries itself deep in my spirit, and often I've been too susceptible to praise and flattery. Proverbs says that the fear of man is a snare, that living my life according to man's opinion, to please others, is a path of folly.
What does God think? Of course, I have the Holy Spirit dwelling in me to convict me of sin and to lead me in the ways of righteousness, but I can read what God said to the churches and see what pleases him and what does not.
One phrase sticks out in this reading: "I know." Jesus says it to the church at Thyatira in verse 19. "I know your works." I know what you have been doing. I can fool my church, at least for a while. I can fool my family, though likely for a shorter time. In fact, I can fool myself. Lots of people live in self-deception, but I cannot fool God. He knows exactly what is going on in my life. He knows the good and the bad, that which is of the flesh and of the Spirit. There is no point in rationalization or justification - he sees, he knows, and he judges rightly.
To the church of Pergamum, he says in verse 13, "I know where you dwell." He knows what is going on in my life. He knows my struggles and my hurts. He knows the pain I'm going through and the challenges I'm facing. He knows exactly what is happening in my life.
Both of these are true in our churches as well. He knows what we are doing, and he knows what we are going through. We need to look at ourselves honestly and let God's Spirit work his work in us.
The problem in these two churches is another devotional entirely. The issue was tolerance. Jesus did something strange to our ears. He rebuked the church at Thyatira - for being tolerant! They were tolerant of sin in their midst. They let a wicked woman run the church and lead many people astray. Tolerating evil is never acceptable to the servant of God.
The specifics are not the issue today. Just remember that God knows. Your Savior knows. Jesus sees all! He knows what is going on in your heart and in your life. He knows your struggles, and he sees your choices. As you pray, there is no point in trying to put on a show. He sees behind the mask. He sees you! Your heart and soul! He sees deep into your spirit. He knows. Let his Spirit search your soul and conform you to Christ.
One of my struggles has always been dealing with the opinions of others. When people have been angry at me or critical, it buries itself deep in my spirit, and often I've been too susceptible to praise and flattery. Proverbs says that the fear of man is a snare, that living my life according to man's opinion, to please others, is a path of folly.
What does God think? Of course, I have the Holy Spirit dwelling in me to convict me of sin and to lead me in the ways of righteousness, but I can read what God said to the churches and see what pleases him and what does not.
One phrase sticks out in this reading: "I know." Jesus says it to the church at Thyatira in verse 19. "I know your works." I know what you have been doing. I can fool my church, at least for a while. I can fool my family, though likely for a shorter time. In fact, I can fool myself. Lots of people live in self-deception, but I cannot fool God. He knows exactly what is going on in my life. He knows the good and the bad, that which is of the flesh and of the Spirit. There is no point in rationalization or justification - he sees, he knows, and he judges rightly.
To the church of Pergamum, he says in verse 13, "I know where you dwell." He knows what is going on in my life. He knows my struggles and my hurts. He knows the pain I'm going through and the challenges I'm facing. He knows exactly what is happening in my life.
Both of these are true in our churches as well. He knows what we are doing, and he knows what we are going through. We need to look at ourselves honestly and let God's Spirit work his work in us.
The problem in these two churches is another devotional entirely. The issue was tolerance. Jesus did something strange to our ears. He rebuked the church at Thyatira - for being tolerant! They were tolerant of sin in their midst. They let a wicked woman run the church and lead many people astray. Tolerating evil is never acceptable to the servant of God.
The specifics are not the issue today. Just remember that God knows. Your Savior knows. Jesus sees all! He knows what is going on in your heart and in your life. He knows your struggles, and he sees your choices. As you pray, there is no point in trying to put on a show. He sees behind the mask. He sees you! Your heart and soul! He sees deep into your spirit. He knows. Let his Spirit search your soul and conform you to Christ.
Father, forgive me for my artifice, for my silly attempts to pretend. You see and you know. Lead me in the paths of righteousness and conform me to Christ.
Consider God's Word:
Which of these four passages spoke most clearly to you today?
Is there sin in your life that needs to be confessed and dealt with that was revealed in one of these passages?
Is there something in your life that needs to change?
Is there a struggle in your life that one of these passages spoke to?
Which of the churches reminds you most of yours?
If Jesus were reviewing your life and your church, what would he say?
Let God's Spirit use the Word to speak truth to you today.
If Jesus were reviewing your life and your church, what would he say?
Let God's Spirit use the Word to speak truth to you today.
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