Revelation 2:10
The church of Smyrna, modern day Izmir (Turkey), was persecuted for their faith. But Jesus promised them eternal life!
"Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life."
Revelation 2:10
Revelation contains 7 short epistles to 7 churches. These letters were written by the apostle John. The church of Smyrna is one of the two churches who were not judged, the other one being Philadelphia.
Smyrna (modern-day Izmir, Turkey) was a proud and rich port city. The church of Smyrna was persecuted because of their faith, and many of the members were poor. Jews in this city mocked the church. They were not true Jews, meaning true followers of God, but they were a congregation of Satan (verse 9).
Jesus is telling the church not to fear "any of those things which you are about to suffer". The Lord is telling them that they will be persecuted by the devil. They will have a ten-day tribulation. Notice that it says "ten days". This is symbolic for a short time, and it shows us that God is in control. The devil has no unlimited time, God decides what happens to the church.
The Lord Jesus goes on: "Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life." This reminds us of the promise of Jesus in Matthew, where Jesus calls the persecuted people 'blessed'.
Matthew 5:10-12: "Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you."
The Lord says that this message is for all the churches. He says further that the ones who will overcome, by being faithful until death, they will not be hurt by the second death. This means eternal separation with God. The persecuted church will gain the crown of life.
Revelation 2:11: "He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. He who overcomes shall not be hurt by the second death."
Today's lesson: The devil may attack the church of God. Don't fear him, his time is limited. Even though it may seem difficult, we may trust the Lord when He promises that He will give us the crown of life. So keep moving.
1 Timothy 6:12a: "Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life;"