To The Church At Smyrna
Revelation 28. And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive;9 I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan.
10 Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.
11 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.
To the church in Smyrna
The word Smyrna means to strengthen, which is exactly the purpose of this letter. It was written to encourage a church going through persecution.
Smyrna was the site of the Asian Temple of the Roman deity. It was also home to the Temple of Tiberius, a temple erected to worship the emperor of Rome. The church was illegal their were laws forbidding the Christian church in this city. So there was much opposition and persecution.
The word Smyrna also was derived from the word myrrh, which was a fragrant herb used in the making of anointing oils and perfumes. This church was a sweet smelling savor to the Lord.
Notice, that this is the only church that did not receive correction in these letters only commendation and a warning of things to come.
Jesus had predicted,
John 16:33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
You must expect some trial and tribulation, but remember, He has overcome this world. Nothing in this world can break your spirit. It is the spiritual that counts.
Peter also warned,
1 Peter 4:12 Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:
It is no strange thing for Christian believers to suffer at the hands of the world. Jesus said, "if they hated me, they will hate you."
He also forewarned us with these words,
Mark 10:30 But he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life.
He said the rewards would be there, but so would the trials.
Now, in the letter, He says
I know your works -
Remember, God is keeping score. When you think no one notices what you do for God, God does. He will reward you ultimately if no in this life, then in heaven.
I know your tribulations
You are never out of His sight. He is there in the trial with you always!
Matthew 28:20 lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
Hebrews 13:5 for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.
John 14:18 I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.
I know your poverty
God is always aware of our condition. And He cares, But He does not always change our condition in the physical realm, because it doesnt always need to be changed.
He said, "you are poor (in the things of this world), but you are rich spiritually."
What is more important?
He knows our struggles and our limitations, and our frustrations. But what He is looking at and looking for is spiritual richness. Are you rich in the things of God? The church at Smyrna was.
They were look9ing for the fullness of God and were persevering under severe conditions to be loyal to Him.
Proverbs 15:16 Better is little with the fear of the LORD than great treasure and trouble therewith.
Proverbs 16:8 Better is a little with righteousness than great revenues without right.
Proverbs 28:6 Better is the poor that walketh in his uprightness, than he that is perverse in his ways, though he be rich.
Psalms 37:16 A little that a righteous man hath is better than the riches of many wicked.
Jesus said,
Matthew 6:20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:
Matthew 6:21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
And again, He said,
Mark 8:36 For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?
Now, notice also this
The trials are not upon everyone just some of you.
The trials are not forever but for a specified time.
The urgent command Be faith even unto death.
The is a reward for those who reach the end.