He knows Our Labor

Revelation 2:1-7

“To the angel of the church of Ephesus write,

‘These things says He who holds the seven stars in His right hand, who walks in the midst of the seven golden lampstands: 2 “I know your works, your labor, your patience, and that you cannot bear those who are evil. And you have tested those who say they are apostles and are not, and have found them liars; 3 and you have persevered and have patience, and have labored for My name’s sake and have not become weary. 4 Nevertheless I have thisagainst you, that you have left your first love. 5 Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place—unless you repent. 6 But this you have, that you hate the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.

7 “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give to eat from the tree of life, which is in the midst of the Paradise of God.”’


Jesus says to the church at Ephesus, 'I know your works, your labor, your patience and that you cannot bear those who are evil.' Jesus today knows our works, our labor, our patience, and he knows if we compromise with evil. 

The word "work" here means: 
   1) business, employment, that which any one is    
       occupied, that which one undertakes to do, 
       enterprise, undertaking. 

Jesus says, 'I know what you are undertaking, I know you are about My Father's business.' What would He say about you as an individual? Would He look at your life and say I know you are about spreading the gospel and discipling my children. I know you work diligently to make things happen for My Kingdom? He then says I know your labor. The word here for labor is "kopos" and it means:    



     1) a beating
     2) a beating of the breast with grief, sorrow
     3) labour
          a) trouble
              1) to cause one trouble, make work for him
          b) intense labour united with trouble and toil

Jesus says to the church at Ephesus, 'I know you are taking a beating, I know you are under intense labor and struggle and it is a good thing.' We must understand that as we walk powerfully in this world as children of God it will require our hand to be to the plow. It will require hard work. Plowing is hard work, but Jesus empowers us to do it. We have to get out there and be the surrendered vessel that He uses. We have to get off the couch and go to work. In closing this morning, I have one question, what are you compromising in your life. Be real and be honest. What have you said, I know what the Word of God says, but just not right now God, just not at this moment. I can't let go right now or I can't do it now, give me 6 months, give me a year. Jesus is not a Savior of compromise, He is a Savior of NOW, so let go and do it now. He is ready to walk with you through anything you face. Let Jesus say to you I know you cannot bear evil. You put aside sin when it is revealed to you! Trust Jesus today! He can and will empower your life. He will show you that He is the way, the truth and the life! He will be your Lord, your provider, your protector!

RAK CHAZAK,

Brother Big Daddy

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