April 16: INVITE A SEARCH

“I will kill her children with death, and all the churches shall know that I am He who searches the minds and hearts. And I will give to each one of you according to your works.” Revelation 2:23

Transparency is a characteristic of our God. In a very real sense, He has laid Himself upon the examination table, that we might observe His character from every angle, and know where to place our loyalty. In addition, He lays out the way of salvation in His word for all the churches to understand. In Him is no darkness at all (1 John 1:5). He who searches the minds and hearts does so now in order to put His finger on the very things that I need to put out of my life.

For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. Romans 8:13

The Spirit of God is at work to assist me in putting to death those character traits that brand me as a child of Babylon the Great (Revelation 17:5), the spiritual descendant of Jezebel. She boasts in her heart, “I am, and there is no one else besides me; I shall not sit as a widow, Nor shall I know the loss of children” (Isaiah 47:8). But, in the bright light of His perfect counsel, she will suffer the loss of many of her children as they are born into the kingdom of God!

King David came to understand the transparency of God and to love Him more because of it. Wanting to become more like Him, he invited Him: “Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me and know my anxieties; And see if there is any wicked way in me, And lead me in the way everlasting.” (Psalm 139:23-24) See also Psalm 32.

“And I will give to each one of you according to your works.” Beloved, do not mistake this statement of Jesus for the deceptive “works theology” of salvation in Babylon’s playbook. Just as He has allowed His flawless character to be put on trial, our flawed characters are on display before Him. He asks us to relinquish anything that adversely affects our minds and hearts, so that He may impart to us His Spirit of discernment. Thus, He empowers us to choose that which is best, and our works will reflect His own character and will. This is symbolized by the fine linen worn by His bride.

And to her [His bride] it was granted to be arrayed in fine linen, clean and bright, for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints. (Revelation 19:8) See also Job 29:14.

Jesus said, “And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work.” Revelation 22:12