Scripture to Read: Revelation 2:10
As we have been walking through the devotions this week, we have seen that persecution and suffering are guaranteed for all believers. God has also revealed that our spiritual battles are not with people but against Satan and all of the spiritual forces of wickedness and darkness. Today we see how Christ called the believers in Smyrna, and is calling us today, to be faithful to Him. Christ also calls us not to walk in fear but to walk in faith in Him because He is our living, loving Savior. Christ’s call to the believers in Smyrna, and us, is to walk in endurance all the way to death (Revelation 2:10 Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life. Over the past 2,000 years millions of Christians have been killed because of their relationship with our Lord Jesus Christ. Even today Christians are being killed in other parts of the world because they are unwilling to deny Christ as Lord and Savior. We may or may not see this happen here in the USA in our lifetime, but we know persecution and suffering are a guarantee for all Christians. But the promise that Christ gives to the believers in Smyrna and all believers is the sweet reward of “the crown of life.” The “crown of life” is the inheritance of eternal life for every Christian, which includes being in the presence of God and the removal of all sin and suffering. This inheritance is what we have to look forward to one day.
Challenge & Application
1. What did God teach you today about walking with Him daily and remaining faithful to Him no matter what you face in this life?
2. How are you currently living faithfully to God each day? How are you encouraging other believers to do the same?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!