Please see Revelation Chapter 2:8-11 The Church of Smyrna
This second letter from Christ, to John in the book of Revelation, was written to the angle, or messenger, or pastor of the church located in Smyrna, ( modern day Turkey ) While it was an actual and specific church, most Bible Scholars and commentators, believe that the messages to this and the other churches, can also be applicable to any individual christian down through the ages, and to various churches. Some also believe that these letters span the history of the church age, starting with Ephesus, as the early church, winding up with Philadelphia and Laodecia as the last days churches.
But, here in this letter, the Lord identifies and explains Himself as the "First and the Last, who was dead, and came to life" This is a favorite and so often used term by the Lord when speaking of Himself, and trying to help us understand who He is, and thereby help us know Him, and grow in Him.
He is the eternal God. He always has existed, and always will exist. He did come to earth and took on a human body. The God Man, Jesus Christ, came specifically to go to the cross to die for our sins, and then rose from the dead, and He is alive forever and ever, amen. He came to life.
( I might add here, just by way of applicational thought, taken from the very context of this letter..........that some reading this post today, may feel as if they have died, or are dead, spiritually, and or just in general in your life and ministry. Please be encouraged, that Christ in His love, and His grace, and mercy, and power, can make you "come to life" as it were. Let's pray that He does )
At any rate, to this Church, the Lord says a number of things.
1. I know your works. So, they were a working church, for the Lord.
2. I know your tribulation. They were a church with trials.
3. I know your poverty. Physically, ( but you are rich spiritually )
4. I know the blasphemy spoken against you.
This blasphemy, ( was coming from those who say they are Jews, or God's people, so called religious persons , but who were neither, and were in fact a synagogue of Satan ) slander, evil speaking, reproachful speech, etc. Jesus says, I know what they are saying to you, and about You.
Then, the Lord gives them instruction as to what to do in the midst of their situation.
1. Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer.
2. Indeed the devil is about to throw some of you in prison, that you may be tested.
3. And, you will have tribulation for 10 days.
4. Be faithful unto death.
5. And I will give you the crown of life.
Finally, as He says often to the other churches also, He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. He who overcomes shall not be hurt by the second death, or the eternal judgement of God.
Some final thoughts and application.
1. What a comfort to know that Christ "knows" what you may be going through.
2. If you are a worker for the Lord, then "God bless you in your work, and keep working"
3. You are indeed wealthy in Christ. You have eternal treasures being stored up.
4. Persecution and trouble generally come to those serving Christ.
5. God's prescription, is "do not be afraid" It's what we choose not to do.
6. You may even suffer more then you are, but do not be afraid.
7. God does test His own people, to work in and through them. So keep that in mind please.
8. Along with not being afraid, "be faithful" that a marching order from the Lord, be faithful
9. Know that rewards are coming one day. And there is more to life then this earthly one.
10. You are in Christ, and headed to heaven. Nothing can separate you from Christ's love.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
