Scripture to Read: Revelation 2:9
To better understand what our Lord Jesus Christ says to the believers in Smyrna in Revelation 2:9, we must know a few things about the city of Smyrna. Smyrna was a wealthy city located on the Aegean sea. It had a protected harbor and sat at the foot of Mount Pagus. Smyrna was often called a “flower” or “crown” in East Asia because of its beautiful architecture and beautiful landscape. Smyrna also had a large and wealthy Jewish population, but the Christians who lived in Smyrna faced tribulations and poverty from the Jews in the city. So, when Jesus said in Revelation 2:9, ‘I know your tribulation and your poverty (but you are rich), and the blasphemy by those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan, He knew the believers were living under incredible persecution. Remember from yesterday that we unpacked the fact that Jesus is God. The Truth of who Christ is gave the believers in Smyrna and all believers through the ages great hope, especially those believers facing persecution and suffering. We are not facing incredible persecution here in the USA but that does not mean persecution will not come. We know from 2 Timothy 3:12, Indeed, all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted. So even though persecution and suffering may not be intense now, we need to expect persecution and suffering if we are truly living for Christ. Our hope is Christ and our home is with Him, so let’s never forget this Truth.
Challenge & Application
1. What did God teach you today about persecution and suffering in this life because we are Christians?
2. How are you preparing for the persecution and suffering you may face as a follower of Christ?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!