Scripture to Read: Revelation 2:8
This week we focus on the second of the seven churches that our Lord Jesus Christ spoke to through the Apostle John. This week we examine what our Lord Jesus Christ says to the church at Smyrna and, of course, to us as believers today. Our Lord introduces Himself as follows in Revelation 2:8 “The first and the last, who was dead, and has come to life.” Christ is reminding the believers in Smyrna, and us today, of His shared nature with God the Father. Our Lord is the first and the last which means He is eternal; Christ has always been and will always be. Christ also mentions His redeeming work on the cross, that He died and then defeated death and came back to life. There is no question for us today that Christ is God, but many over the last 2,000 years have doubted if Christ is God. Many still doubt today; that is why there are so many false religions in our world. Christ also confirms He is God in Revelation 1:8, “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty,” and also in Revelation 21:6. Our Lord Jesus Christ leaves no doubt, just in these three Scriptures alone, that He is God. Of course, there are so many other verses throughout God’s Word that confirm that Christ is God. Knowing and believing that Christ is God and not just a god, that He died, that He defeated death, hell and sin is foundational to our belief as Christians.
Challenge & Application
1. What did God teach you today about who Christ is and about the importance of knowing who He is?
2. How are you sharing with others who Christ is, and how has knowing who Christ is given you peace and rest?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!