Wednesday, February 15, 2023

Smyrna: The Persecuted Church

9“I KNOW your works, tribulation, and poverty (but you are rich); and I know the blasphemy of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a [e]synagogue of Satan. 10 Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.11 “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.” ’ Revelation 2:9-11

Smyrna was home of Homer and the temple of Athena. It was a beautiful, bustling seaport.

The word “Smyrna” comes from the word “myrrh,” a fragrant medicinal oil. Myrrh was used by Egyptians to embalm bodies, and we know that it was one of the gifts the wise men took to the Christ child. God told the people in this church that in addition to knowing their works, he also knew about their trials. They were not rebuked. To others they might have appeared poor, but they were in fact rich. Tests for this church were on the horizon. They were encouraged to be faithful. If they remained faithful in light of these tests, a crown of life awaited them.

Questions: What would God say about your works? Can God call you faithful even in the midst of your trials and tests? God knows!

PRAYER: Lord, I thank you for knowing everything about me–the good, the bad, and the ugly. Thank you for seeing beyond what I appear. I understand that in life, there will be tests. Help me to remain faithful. I want to live eternally with you. In the name of Jesus, I praise you. Amen