The Difficult Days

Dennis E Long

7 Words To The Church • Sermon • Submitted 17 days ago • Presented 3 months ago

Revelation 2:8–11

Suffering

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Because Jesus is With us, We Can Overcome.

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Because Jesus is With us, We Can Overcome. Revelation 2:8-11

Introduction If you’ve ever had to be the bearer of bad news, you know how awful it is. Whether it’s telling your kids that despite the snow blanketing their yard, they do, in fact, have to go to school, or telling a coworker that they have to redo a project they worked hard on, or an employee that they are fired, it’s no fun to tell people what you know they won’t want to hear. In our letter to the church in Smyrna today, John lays out some pretty bad news, and he does not sugarcoat it.

As we progress through these letters, examining each church, certain recurrent themes will emerge, which means that while we look at each church individually, we should consider that the message is to the universal church, all of us. In order to see some implications for contemporary Christian faith and practice, we will zero in on the persecution that the church in Smyrna suffered or was expected to suffer at the hands of their opponents. If Ephesian endurance seems to have persisted over time against relatively light external pressures, not so with the church in Smyrna.

All Christians suffer. Either you have, you are, or you will — “through many tribulations, we must enter the kingdom of God” (Acts 14:22). Two things I say on repeat: You're either in a storm; you've just come out of a storm, or one is on the horizon. The second is life will make you bleed. But just because we experience suffering as we await our eternal redemption, it doesn’t mean that our suffering is random or without purpose. And neither does it mean that Scripture doesn’t tell us how to think about our suffering now. Revelation 2:8-11

Revelation 2:8–11 ESV

“And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write: ‘The words of the first and the last, who died and came to life. “ ‘I know your tribulation and your poverty (but you are rich) and the slander of those who say that they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and for ten days you will have tribulation. Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. The one who conquers will not be hurt by the second death.’

Scriptural Analysis Unlike Ephesus, we know very little about the city or church of Smyrna from Scripture, no more than what we read here in Revelation 2. The city's origins date back to the late second millennium BCE. It was destroyed in the sixth century and then rebuilt during the time of Alexander the Great. It flourished to the point of vying with Ephesus “for the title of ‘first in Asia’ ” by John’s time. This congregation is one of two that are blameless among the seven in Revelation. They are extolled as rich despite their impoverished condition. They were wealthy not in material but in spiritual terms. Because scripture reveals this church just here in Revelation 2, we are going to take some of our time today to glimpse their history. That history reveals this church's journey, and that history reveals once again the accuracy of scripture.

Verse 8 Smyrna was a prosperous port city, not far north up the coastline from Ephesus. Smyrna’s importance also extended to political matters because of its close and loyal association with Rome. Although John issues unqualified praise for this congregation, we have no historical record of its beginning, although we do know from Acts 19 that Paul conducted a successful evangelistic campaign in that area. The church faced opposition for its allegiance to Jesus Christ from both the Jewish synagogue and the pagan culture. The opening address repeats claims made earlier for Christ in Revelation 1 that Jesus is the First and the Last, who died and came to life again. A reminder of the resurrection is especially meaningful for this congregation, which lives in poverty, has encountered intense religious opposition, and even faces imprisonment and martyrdom.

Verse 9 John says he knows their tribulation. We talked last week about the imperial cult and the Emporer/caesar worship. Like Ephesus, Smyrna was an important center of the imperial cult. It was the second city to receive from an emperor this “privilege” to worship him. Only Jews were exempt from worshiping the emperor, for Rome knew that Jews were monotheistic and were an ancient ethnic religion that merited tolerance. Initially, Christians were recognized as a part, a branch, if you will, of Judaism. These Jewish Christians claimed that Jesus fulfilled biblical promises to ancient Israel; thus, this protected Christians, at least initially, from unnecessary persecution. Unfortunately, many synagogue leaders felt it necessary to distinguish themselves sharply from Christians and to make the Jewish Christians unwelcome in the synagogues. The Jews who belonged to the synagogue in Smyrna were reporting the Smyrnan Christians to the local authorities, declaring that they weren’t members of the synagogue, weren’t truly Jews, and didn’t deserve legal protection. The Jewish community in Smyrna was substantial, and they seemed to have been on more positive terms with the Roman government. At the same time, they could not afford to take chances. After the Judean war against Rome two decades earlier, which resulted in a special tax Jews everywhere in the empire had to pay, many Jewish leaders were probably nervous about being associated with prophetic, messianic movements like Christianity. In Smyrna, as in other places, Jews would sometimes take the heat of persecution off themselves by inciting the Romans against the Christians. They would present Communion in the wrong light by accusing believers of drinking blood and eating broken bodies. They would report Christians saying Jesus is greater than Caesar.

Local Jewish repudiation of Christians apparently continued for several decades after John's writing. In the early second century, some Jewish accusers participated in betraying Polycarp, a disciple of the apostle John and bishop of Smyrna. At eighty-six years of age, amidst one of the numerous waves of persecution, Polycarp was ordered to burn incense at the altar of Caesar. “How can I deny Him who has been faithful to me?” Polycarp asked. Consequently, he was sentenced to death. Such conflicts help explain “the slander of those who say they are Jews and are not but are a synagogue of Satan” (2:9).

Verse 10 The church in Smyrna is now issued a challenge by Jesus through John. It is summoned not to fear what it is about to suffer. When John says, “the devil is about to throw some of you into prison,” the reference to the “synagogue of Satan” in verse 9 should be recalled. Most likely, the enemy would bring about these imprisonments through the agency of the Jews, who were slandering Christians as disloyal citizens. Still, God reigns and rules even in such circumstances. However, the devil meant their imprisonment for evil, but God intended it for good. Their trials were used to make them stronger and more mature.

The suffering inflicted has a limit; it will last only “ten days.” The number isn’t literal, for apocalyptic literature regularly uses numbers symbolically. The point is that the suffering won’t last forever. This doesn’t necessarily mean the believers would be released from prison, for the next line says they must be prepared to die. The ten days, then, refers to a limited period of time. The suffering in this world is always for a “little while” compared to our final everlasting home.

Still, the challenge is sobering. The Smyrnans were called to be “faithful unto death.” Their devotion to Jesus means he rules over every part of their lives. If they are faithful, Jesus will give them the “crown of life.” Just as Jesus triumphed over death and is the ever-living one, so too the believers in Smyrna will never die if they are willing to give their lives for the sake of Jesus Christ.

Verse 11 The faithful disciple, who overcomes the second death, anticipates this reversal in fortune. The idea of a “second death” assumes that everyone experiences a “first death.” The poverty of the church, its afflictions, and the Jewish slander against disciples (2:9), coupled with the imprisonment and possible martyrdom that awaits them (2:10), bear witness to their participation in the “first death.” However, to die a second time is to be disqualified from eternal life, which is yet to come.

The church in Smyrna stands out as one with which the Lord has no complaint. Instead, the living Christ encourages the church as it faces persecution, especially from the Jews in the local synagogue. The church must brace itself and be ready for further suffering, even unto death, but those who conquer and overcome will triumph over death forever. TODAY'S KEY TRUTH Because Jesus is With us, We Can Overcome. Application We are reminded in the letter to Smyrna that, as Christians, we are called to suffer. Persecution takes different forms, and we don’t all suffer death or imprisonment for our faith. However, we don’t know what will come in our lives, and some believers throughout history have witnessed to their faith in Christ by giving their lives. Still, we have nothing to fear, for physical death is not the ultimate reality. Those who belong to Christ will be raised from the dead as Jesus was. Because we belong to the one who is “the first and the last,” we “will not be hurt by the second death.”

For this little church in Smyrna, life was dangerous. It was dangerous for a number of reasons, not the least of which was if you failed to acknowledge Caesar as Lord, you could lose your life. Some historians tell us in Smyrna, there were mass executions of Christians who refused to bow their knees to Caesar. Historically, Domitian was the Caesar at this time. If you know anything about Roman history, you know that Domitian was a murderous dictator who launched extensive persecution campaigns against the church.

One thing we learn here, or are reminded of at least, is a very important principle: the church which suffers persecution becomes purged and pure. Hypocrites and fakes don’t stick around when there are difficult days. False Christians don’t want pain or problems. They don’t need it. They’re not willing to make the sacrifice. So, as we look at this church, we see a model of a suffering church. We learn from them how every faithful Christian should respond in the matter of suffering. We also want to note that it’s inevitable that there will be some suffering for us. Second Timothy 3:12 says, “All that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.” When it comes, the little church in Smyrna can be an example for us.

Jesus tells them, "Time is tough for you; living in this world is hard. History is unkind to you; I just want you to know that I was here before it started and I’ll be here after it’s over. I transcend all of this, and so do you because of your relationship with me. Furthermore, I know about dying, for I was dead; literally, I became dead, and yet I’ve come to life." And so He reminds them that even should they die in the persecution, they’ll not experience anything He hasn’t experienced, too. Should they die, they will not be cut off from His eternal resurrection power. Jesus declares to them then and today to us that he has been there with you no matter what you’re going through. The Lord Jesus suffered the most unjust, the most severe, the most powerful persecution anyone ever suffered. He suffered death on a cross bearing the sins of the world. That is the supreme suffering. He says, "I was dead, and I’m alive." That's Jesus' way of saying you’ll die one day, but can you live again. Jesus is the transcendent living one who, though dead, yet lives and provides for his people's resurrection even when we lose our lives.

One last note about the word conquer or overcomer. “He who overcomes shall not be hurt by the second death.” Every time you see the overcomer here, it means the Christian. 1 John 5 says, “Who is he that overcomes? The one who believes in the Lord Jesus.” Our faith overcomes. So true believers, He says, those of you who are real believers will never be hurt by the second death. That’s the one to worry about. The first death is only physical; the second is spiritual and eternal. So He says, “What do you have to fear, you persecuted suffering Christians? Just be faithful even to death, and I’ll give you life. Just be an overcomer, a true believer, and you’ll only experience the first death, never the second death.” You may die once, but Jesus even overcame death.

Because Jesus is With us, We Can Overcome. Conclusion The Bible makes it clear that suffering is part of our calling as Christ's followers. The context of this particular admonition is suffering for righteousness sake; that is, persecution for doing right in the face of unfair or evil treatment. However, the same truth serves as an umbrella principle over all forms of suffering we endure. We were born into a fallen world cursed by sin when mankind first sinned in the Garden of Eden. As a result, we groan. We groan because life hurts badly. There are unspeakable sorrows. Heartbreaking loss and lifetime scars are a part of the human experience. As I have said, life will make you bleed. But, unlike the person who does not know Jesus, we groan with hope. We groan while we wait for the final day of redemption when, as Romans 8 says, “the creation itself will be set free from its bondage and corruption to obtain freedom." We groan as our hearts ache for the day when Jesus makes “all things new." Until then, suffering is guaranteed. Life will make you bleed.

Jesus encourages us to suffer in faithfulness. Stay the course. While suffering can undoubtedly sow the seeds of bitterness and resentment, that is not how Christians should respond to it. Instead, we are called to see suffering as a part of life meant to dissatisfy us with the present fallen world and to instill in us a longing for eternity.

Because Jesus is With us, We Can Overcome.

If you know anything about the game of chess, you know it all comes down to when the King on either side can move no more. Once the king is trapped, the winning side declares “checkmate,” and the game is over. A painting hung in the Louvre museum in Paris, painted by Friedrich Moritz August Retzsch. The painting is popularly known as “Checkmate.” It is now in private hands, having been sold in a Christie’s auction in 1999. The painting depicts two chess players. One is Satan, who appears arrogantly confident. The other player is a man who looks defeated. If Satan wins, he wins the man’s soul.

A chess grandmaster came upon this intriguing painting in the Louvre museum alongside other famous art, such as the Mona Lisa. The grand master stared a long time at the chessboard in the painting. As this chess master stared at the picture, his guide kept walking, leaving him unaware that the chess master had become fixated on the painting. When the guide realized what had happened, he went back to find the chess master. Still staring at the painting, the guide asked him what he saw. The chess master said, "The name of the painting is Checkmate, correct?" Yes, said the guide. The chess master said, "Well, they need to rename the painting." Why? Asked the guide. The chess master said, "Well, as one of the top chess players in the world, I consider myself an expert in the game of chess. This isn't checkmate. According to the arrangement of the pieces left on the chessboard, the defeated man isn't defeated. Though the devil thinks he is the obvious victor, the defeated man who thought he was losing isn't defeated yet. His king had one more move."

Your king always has one more move. I don't know what you're suffering through right now. Maybe it is physical. Maybe it's emotional. Maybe it's financial. Maybe it is spiritual. Whatever you're facing right now, whatever is causing suffering, what difficult days you're facing, Jesus is speaking to you individually and to us as the church through the words given to the church of Smyrna: Do not fear. The one who conquers, the one who overcomes, will have life eternal. Your King always has a move.

Because Jesus is With us, We Can Overcome.

The recent history of our church has been one of conflict, hurt, and suffering. But our king still has a move. He can do all things. He can make all things new. And He certainly can strengthen us to overcome our past and anything that arises in the future. He just calls us to be faithful. Faithful not to traditions. Faithful not to the past. Faithful, not personal preferences. He calls us to be faithful to him and him alone. He is the key to life.

Because Jesus is With us, We Can Overcome.

I believe one day, the church in America will face persecution and possibly even prosecution. Probably not my generation or yours, but one day, it will occur. Even so, we can still face difficult days and suffering. Life will make you bleed. We all face suffering. There's no way of escaping this life without suffering. Jesus sees how we suffer, and He is near to us in our suffering. No tear that you have cried has gone unnoticed by your heavenly Father. Because Jesus is fully human, we can approach him with our struggles and weaknesses, knowing that he understands and empathizes with us. We can take comfort in the fact that he is not distant, disconnected, or distracted away from us, but he is intimately acquainted with our struggles. In your difficult days and suffering, he lovingly says to you, "Do not fear. Be faithful. Through me, you can overcome."