DAY 9

Smyrna – The Church That Was Faithful in Suffering

‘To the angel of the church in Smyrna write: These are the words of him who is the First and 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 [overcomes] will not be hurt at all by the second death.’ Revelation 2:8-11 (NIVUK)

Reflection

The church in Smyrna had no rebuke, only encouragement. This church was materially poor but spiritually rich. It was about to enter a difficult time, facing slander, pressure, and persecution. However, Jesus didn’t promise escape, but He did promise presence. ‘Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer.’ (v.10). Although that’s not what we want to hear, it’s what we need to hear. Jesus doesn’t minimise pain, but He redefines it.

Life brings its joys and challenges, and its ups and downs. To overcome in times of hardship means holding fast to hope, which helps to build our resilience in times of trouble. ‘…but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.’ Romans 5:3-4 (NIVUK)

Jesus is the First and the Last, the One who died and came to life again. Death doesn’t win. Jesus already went through it and came out victorious. Just like the church in Smyrna, whose suffering was timebound to ten days, Jesus knows the exact time to the ending of suffering, and the reward is stunning: ‘The one who overcomes will not be hurt at all by the second death.’ (v11). The earth may shake, our bodies may suffer, but our eternity is secure.

OVERCOMER INSIGHT

You may feel crushed, but you are crowned. Though earthly affliction is real, your eternal reward is greater.

Devotional

by Clive Doubleday

 

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Prayer FOCUS

  • Pray for strength to remain faithful and without fear in the midst of trials. If you are in a challenging season right now, what can you learn from it? Pray for perseverance and ask the Lord to hone your character through it. Pray for wisdom and discernment to help you walk through into victory.
  • Pray that, as a church family, we would see beyond the fleeting nature of this life and live with an eternal perspective, trusting in God’s promises and presence. Pray that unbelievers coming into our gatherings would be struck with the sense of hope we share, in the love of an everlasting God.
  • Intercede for persecuted believers around the world today, that their cries would be heard before the throne. Pray that their suffering would turn into salvation, and that churches would be planted despite the despair. Check out resources provided by Open Doors here.