8 “And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write: ‘The words of the first and the last, who died and came to life.
9 “‘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. 10 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. 11 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.’
Comment: This is the shortest of the seven letters to the seven Asian churches. Perhaps because it is going through a hard time and Jesus is being encouraging and supportive. Jesus greeting contains both His Divinity (the First and the Last) and His Humanity (who died and came to life!). Jesus acknowledges their situation, their difficult tribulation and their poverty, which affected both their mindset and their physical state – they were getting it ‘tough’! Why didn’t Jesus just step in and destroy those causing their tribulation and slander? Why does God allow His people to be killed because of their faith in Him even until now? I enclose a quote from the famous John Newton ‘“Health is good while the Lord preserves it—and sickness is still better when he appoints it. He is good when he grants our wishes and multiplies our comforts—and he is good when he sends us trials and crosses. We are short-sighted and cannot see how many and what important consequences depend upon every turn in life; but the whole chain of events are open to his view.” And another from Wikipedia, “While suffering is not inherently “good,” it can act as a catalyst for profound personal transformation, growth, and deeper meaning.” and a third from 1 Peter 3: 12-13 “Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed.”
Jesus’ promise at the end (Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life) and his closing signature (The one who conquers will not be hurt by the second death.’) are good reason to press on the Upward Way of Obedience through whatever may come!
Proverbs 3: 11-12 – My son, do not despise the LORD’S discipline or be weary of his reproof, for the LORD reproves him whom he loves, as a father the son in whom he delights.
Prayer: You suffered for me, Lord Jesus. May I find in You the courage and strength to follow you faithfully until I bow in Your Presence, my Saviour.