Revelation 2: 8 - 11
Smyrna was, at one time, one of the most prosperous cities in Asia Minor. The current city of Izmir, Turkey stands on this site. The gospel probably reached Smyrna at an early date, presumably from Ephesus. If you are familiar with church history, Smyrna is the city where the aged bishop, Polycarp, was martyred around AD 155.
After reading these verses, I am touched by the way the Lord commends and encourages this persecuted band of believers. He reminds them that they are rich indeed! He lets them know that He is fully aware of what all they are enduring. He then warns them that more is coming. And that it is going to be hard! The Lord tells them (as He so often does) to not be afraid. Fear must be the common connnector between all of us humans. I have not done this yet ... but I think it would be interesting to see how often that phrase, "don't be afraid", occurs throughout scripture. Obviously we need humans need to hear it often!
Did you notice that Jesus does not reprove them for anything? I don't think it was because He finally found the perfect church! I wonder if it was because they were in the midst of such intense persecution and trial. They needed encouragement ... not correction at this point. Isn't that true of us? When life hammers in so hard, we need encouragement the most. At times like those, we cannot even hear correction and reproof. We need the encouragement to persevere. The encouragement to stay faithful. The promise that even "this" can be overcome. Moms and Dads, how important to pray for the discernment to know when to correct and when to encourage those young lives placed in your care!
Many of these Christians that made up the body in Smyrna were going to face their own deaths because of their faith. So Jesus presents Himself to them as the one "who died and came to life again." There were so many descriptors that He could have used ... but He chose one that applied directly to their current circumstances. And His promise to the overcomers? They would not be hurt at all by the second death. These Christians were facing the "first death" and it was imminent.
While our encounters with the "first death" may not be as predictable as these believers living in the midst of severe persecution, we will encounter it. We will have to walk through it - with those we love and ourselves. The "first death" is a result of sin and the fallen condition of our world. That is when death came into the human experience. And we all must face this first death. But, remember, it is the second death that is the most painful. It is the second death that is permanent, eternal. I love the added emphasis that Jesus uses: not only will it not hurt you, but it will not hurt you AT ALL! None. What encouragement to these saints in Smyrna ... what encouragement to you and me.
Praise God from whom all blessings flow ...
Hallelujah!
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