A Crown of Life
Notes
Transcript
The letter to the church at Smyrna is packed with info we need to dig into a little bit. If we don't know the history of their circumstances, we’ll miss the weight of what is being written here. Lets look at the text:
“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.’
Once again, Jesus identifies Himself with a phrase He used to greet John. “The words of the first and the last, who died and came to life”. Remembering Jesus is the eternal one should fill us with hope. He always was and always wil be. Taken out as far as we can, this means we can trust his plan because it sees all. Remember: Whatever road you are walking, however hard it may be, Jesus is out front. He is leading. If we will but follow, He’s making the paths straight. Sometimes its steep, but He’s the Good Shepherd. He’s leading.
To know of the tribulation of the church in Smyrna is to know they were hard pressed on every side. If your bible translation used the word ‘affliction’, they chose a word with less force behind it. With less urgency to it. This was extensive, long-lasting persecution from both Rome and the Jews. The Roman Emperor had instituted emperor worship and the Jews issued a decree to separate themselves from Christians so no one would do business with a professing Christian. This led to abject poverty and the inability to secure even the most basic necessities of life. YET THEY CONTINUED TO MEET AND WORSHIP AS A CHURCH!!
There was internal turmoil for many of those in that church because they grew up Jewish. To know what was being said of them, many times by their own family (who had disowned them) was hard. But Jesus puts it in perspective for them: It is slander. They have rejected Me as Messiah so they are the synagogue of Satan.
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