The Letter to the Church in Smyrna

 

[Jesus said] “And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write: ‘The words of the first and the last, who died and came to life. I know your tribulation and your poverty (but you are rich) and the slander of those who say that they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and for ten days you will have tribulation. Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. The one who conquers will not be hurt by the second death.’” (Revelation 2:8-11 ESV).

 

The next letter is to the Church in Smyrna. It is a message from Jesus to the church, praising their faithfulness despite suffering and poverty. Jesus acknowledges their tribulation and slander from those who falsely claim to be Jewish. He warns of impending persecution, including imprisonment, but encourages them to remain faithful "unto death," promising them a "crown of life" and freedom from the second death for those who overcome.

 

To the family of God, near and far, young and old, rich and poor, Jesus speaks as “the First and the Last, who died and came to life again.” Jesus presents himself to the church in Smyrna as divine and sovereign, being over all history—past, present, and future. As the First and the Last, he covers not only the ends of the spectrum but also everything in between.

 

Even death could not hold Jesus; he is alive! As we believe that Jesus suffered and died for us, we can find comfort in knowing that death will not hold us either. In Jesus, like Jesus, we will be raised to new life. In Jesus we have assurance that we will live forever with him. With this truth Jesus encouraged and strengthened our brothers and sisters in Smyrna. He went on to mention their afflictions and their poverty. He knew they were slandered by people who said they followed God but did not. Those people were agents of Satan, he said. Jesus called his true followers not to be afraid of any suffering or persecution they would face. “Be faithful, even to the point of death,” he said. He had already been there for them. The One who is First and Last would hold them through all that would come their way. This same Jesus will also be with us through the difficulties we face. Jesus is the One who gives life and victory, now and forever. That makes our walk to the chapel much easier to face!