~God rewards the faithful~
The beautiful coastal city of Izmir, Turkey is at least 3,000 years old. The ruins of the ancient city it once was lie surrounded by the modern city of today. In Biblical times this city was known as Smyrna. The Greek word Smyrna means 'myrrh'. Smyrna was known for its export of Myrrh.
Smyrna and Myrrh
Myrrh is referenced several times in the New Testament. It was one of the gifts brought by the Wise Men to the young Jesus, it was offered to Jesus with wine on the cross and it was used in His burial. In the Old Testament it was used as anointing oil for consecrating priests and kings (Exodus 30: 23-25) and in the New Testament it was used for embalming (John 19:39).
A Letter to Smyrna
Revelation is the only book that specifically mentions the church that existed in Smyrna. It was one of the seven churches that was sent a specific letter. We read this letter in Revelation 2: 8-11. The church is described as being poor and yet rich. It is known for its works and the tribulations it has endured. It begins with a title for God, the First and the Last, and Jesus, who was dead, and came to life. God sees this church and knows it. He sees what it is enduring and how it is suffering. It is a church in action, zealously proclaiming the word of God in the face of persecution.
No Criticism
Of the seven letters to the churches this was the only letter that does not include a criticism. How wonderful to know that the Lord was pleased with them. As Peter tells us in I Peter 5: 10 after our suffering Jesus will "perfect, establish, strengthen and settle" us. The persecutions that this church endured had perfected, established, strengthened and settled it.
Rich With the Knowledge of God
The Christians in Smyrna were poor, perhaps because of their persecution. But the letter says they were rich! Why was it rich? Because in spite of a lack of worldly possessions it had the most prized possession of all. It had the knowledge of the saving grace of our Lord. It is an interesting contrast to the church at Laodicea in Revelation 3:17-18 which was told that, even though they think they have no needs, they are actually "wretched, miserable, poor, blind and naked".
The Persecuted Church
The Christians in Smyrna were persecuted by many. They were persecuted by the Romans who expected them to acknowledge and worship the emperor and by the pagans, the popular culture of the day, who had temples to Cybele and Zeus, as well as temples to Apollo, Asklepios, and Aphrodite.
This scripture also tells us that the 'so called' Jews persecuted them. John calls them a 'Synagogue of Satan'. Why did he call them this? Because by not acknowledging Jesus as the Messiah, they had shown who they stood with, and it was not God.
Do Not Fear
The church received a command, not to be afraid. So many times the Lord in His word tells us to not be afraid. Why does God tell us this? Because as Isaiah 41:10 explains, it is God who strengthens, helps and upholds us. Even in the face of great persecution we shouldn't fear.
Blessed Are They Who Endure
The letter to Smyrna goes on to inform the church that for a time things will be very bad. The devil will cause some of them to be thrown in prison and even killed. But faithfulness to the end has a great reward. To those who are faithful, even with such great persecution, will come a crown of life! James 1:12 tells us that God promises a crown of life to people who love Him. If persecution comes we need to pray that like the church in Smyrna we too will be faithful and endure to the end.
The Holy Spirit Says to Hear
The Holy Spirit speaks to the church and the church is instructed to 'hear'. The church was to take heed of what is being said. The Spirit says, to the ones who overcome, the second death will not hurt. Who are the ones who overcome? In John 16:33 Jesus says He has overcome the world. It is through Him that we are overcomers also. Romans 8: 35-37 tells us that nothing can separate us from the love of Christ. Paul says we are like "sheep for the slaughter" and yet because Jesus loves us we are "more than conquerors."
The Second Death
And what is the second death that will not affect those who overcome? Revelation 21:8 says:
"But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.”
Polycarp the Martyr
A famous story of persecution during the first century comes from the church at Smyrna. The Bishop of the church there, Polycarp, in about 160AD, was brought before Roman authorities and told to publicly reject Christ and acknowledge the emperor as God. Polycarp had personally known the apostle John. He is quoted as saying,
"86 years have I have served him, and he has done me no wrong. How can I blaspheme my King and my Savior?"
He was then burned at the stake and stabbed through the heart according to records of the event.
Be Faithful, Fear Not and Hear
How wonderful if today our church could hear a word from God and there would be no criticism in it. How faithful are we? Would we be faithful "unto death"? Would we, like the church at Smyrna, "fear not"? Will we "hear"?
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