DAYS OF PRAISE-FAITHFUL SMYRNA -Institute for Creation Research
Faithful Smyrna
July 9, 2012
“And
unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; . . . I know thy works,
and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) . . . Fear none of
those things which thou shalt suffer . . . be thou faithful unto death,
and I will give thee a crown of life.” (Revelation 2:8-10)
The Lord Jesus recognized this
struggling church, which is not mentioned anywhere else in the New
Testament, as one of only two churches mentioned in the book of
Revelation that did not receive any warning or condemnation.
He saw them very differently than our “church growth” movement might today. Many tend to envy the churches with big auditoriums or grand building programs. Most of the world praises those churches that are “emerging” from the restraints of godliness and churches that are “driven” to attract and please the ungodly.
Smyrna was poor, troubled by
those who hated God’s message, and suffered tribulation for their works.
Some were thrown into prison for their willingness to be identified
with the truth. Generations have passed since anything like that has
happened to churches in the Western world. Those countries that
persecute Christians today seem only like scattered incidents that have
little bearing on the day-to-day life of “civilized” nations. May God
protect us from such attitudes.
But the One who walks among the “candlestick” churches of Revelation (His churches) saw Smyrna as rich and worthy of a crown of life. He praised this little church and encouraged them to remain “faithful unto death” (Revelation 2:10).
When the King gives out His rewards from the great judgment seat, these
faithful, poor, persecuted, troubled, and imprisoned souls will enter
eternity with great riches and joyful liberty in the “general assembly and church of the firstborn” (Hebrews 12:23). HMM III
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