Week 51 Day 3

November 16, 2022

Jesus' Message to the Church in Smyrna

Scripture: Revelation 2:8-11(NIV)

“To the angel of the church in Smyrna write: These are the words of him who is the First and the Last, who died and came to life again. I know your afflictions and your poverty—yet you are rich! I know about the slander of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you life as your victor’s crown. Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. The one who is victorious will not be hurt at all by the second death.

Devotional

Smyrna would have been the next stop for a courier delivering these prophetic words on the road through Asia Minor. Smyrna was an important port city in the Roman Empire, bringing in ships for trade, travel, and athletic games. It contained an imperial temple for emperor worship among the Gentiles, along with synagogues that were opposed to Christianity among the Jews. Being a Christian in Smyrna was tantamount to putting a persecution bullseye on your chest. Listen to Jesus’ words to them:

“I know your afflictions and your poverty”

“I know about the slander”

“you are about to suffer”

“Be faithful, even to the point of death”

Jesus wanted them to know that He was filled with empathy for their pain, but also effusive with encouragement about their blessings:

“yet you are rich!”

“Do not be afraid”

“I will give you the victor’s crown”

I once heard someone say that Jesus is more interested in our stance than our circumstance. Being a follower of Christ does not mean that everything in this physical world will go as we would choose. But Jesus calls us to be faithful nonetheless.

Take a moment and thank Jesus for His presence, power, and promises in your life, regardless of any other circumstances you may be facing.