1. Revelation 2:23 (ESV)
  2. Exposition

Why would it be important that the churches come to know of the penetrating gaze of the Lord?

Revelation 2:23 (ESV)

23 and I will strike her children dead. And all the churches will know that I am he who searches mind and heart, and I will give to each of you according to your works.

Word of the deaths of Jezebel’s followers would travel broadly to all the seven churches of Asia Minor (and to all churches down through the centuries). As a result, “all the churches will know that [the Lord] is he who searches mind and heart.” Jesus had identified himself in the beginning of this letter as having “eyes like a flame of fire” (Revelation 2:18). God would find out even those who secretly agreed with Jezebel. And so Christians across the churches (and the generations) would be compelled to examine their own thinking as to whether they could entrust themselves with every need for daily life to Christ Jesus.