To read: Revelation 2:8-11
New Revised Standard Version Bible,"And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write: These are the words of the first and the last, who was dead and came to life: 'I know your affliction and your poverty, even though you are rich. I know the slander on the part 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. Beware, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison so that you may be tested, and for ten days you will have affliction. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life. Let anyone who has an ear listen to what the Spirit is saying to the churches. Whoever conquers will not be harmed by the second death.'"
copyright 1989, Division of Christian Education of the
National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America.
Used by permission. All rights reserved.
To think about:
The
messenger addresses the church of Smyrna, a persecuted church that sacrificed freedoms and privileges for Christ. Even brothers within the church, who were Jews, rejected them and many were scorned for their faith. Yet their faith was great, and they were loved by a God who understood the punishments they endured. No matter how they were tested and even imprisoned, God strengthened them for what they were to suffer and promised the faithful eternal life. In these promises, even the poor were rich.
Today, we also have the promise of strength from God to endure worldly persecutions and the assurance of eternal life. Our churches face the same persecution that the church at Smyrna endured, and each of us claims the same promise of strength in this life. In understanding the church at Smyrna, we are asked to examine our own churches' roles in our communities as we face outside worldly pressures, disappointments, misunderstandings and hurts. How blessed are we, that God continues to give strength to the faithful and the promise of the crown of eternal life in him!
To pray:
Dear Lord, you didn't promise us days without pain, laughter without sorrow, sun without rain, but you did promise us strength for the day, comfort for the tears, and light for the way. Thank you for being the light in the darkness and being there to lift us up and show us that we only need to keep our eyes on you. In the almighty name of Jesus Christ the Son, the Word and the Spirit. Amen.
Delaware-Maryland Synod Council Member
St. Paul Lutheran Church, Aberdeen, Md.