“I know your tribulation and your poverty” Revelation 2:9
Jesus knows about all the hard times that we go through. Some people ask why He lets us suffer when He is the all-powerful God who could deal with our troubles immediately. We can learn much from this suffering church in Smyrna.
The Christians in Smyrna were being severely persecuted for their faith in Jesus. As Christianity was regarded as a cult, becoming a member of the Christian church meant ostracization from society. Family members would often reject you, which meant disinheritance. People would not hire you, or buy your goods simply because you were a Christian. There was no welfare state to help, so Christians in Smyrna were living in deep poverty. Not only that, they were also being slandered and lied about.
Jesus warns them that they are going to face imprisonment and for some, that could mean the death penalty. How could a good and loving God allow that to happen to His own people?
Notice how Jesus introduced Himself to this particular church; “The words of the first and last, who died and came to life again.” v8. He declares at the very beginning of this letter that He has the power over death. He died and rose to life again. Death had no power over Him, and will have no power over those who follow Him. Jesus was telling the Christians in Smyrna that they were to have no fear of death.
Jesus had warned His disciples that they would be persecuted because of their faith in Him, and just a few years later, John records that this is what is about to happen to the church in Smyrna. This letter, from Jesus to His suffering church is a letter of encouragement to stand firm in spite of persecution and impending death. Jesus gives them, and us, the promise of the crown of life for faithful obedience even in the face of extreme tribulation.
History records that any time the church undergoes times of persecution, it becomes stronger and multiplies. Jesus promises that when we go through a time of suffering, He will go through it with us and bring us safely through the other side. When the day of judgement comes, we will be safe in the arms of Jesus. Those who conquer death through trusting in the salvation that Jesus alone can offer will not fear the second death; the judgement of God.
Hard times will come to all of us. Severe persecution may come to many of us. But those who stand firm on the promises of God will conquer death, just as Jesus did, and will be crowned with everlasting life in the paradise that God has prepared for His people.
