Issue 1376 – Seven Churches Part 2 February 21, 2024
Several weeks ago, I followed along with what was being taught in our local assembly – a look at the seven churches of Revelation. Although the letters were written nearly two millennia ago, they could well be a report on the state of the church today.
I began with the letter to Ephesus. Then, I promptly got sidetracked. This morning, we’ll backtrack a bit and catch up with the second church on the list, the church in Smyrna.
“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
There is no condemnation of this church, just the Lord’s compassion on them. He speaks of their poverty and their suffering. What were they facing?
According to Hitchcock’s Bible Names Dictionary, Smyrna is a word which has roots in the word myrrh … the spice associated with death and funerals. Jesus identifies Himself as the one who died and was raised to life. Even the reference to ten days of imprisonment and then suffering is an indicator of martyrdom. Roman prisons were typically holding cells for those to be tortured or executed.
The believers of this church are called to be faithful even unto death. That is something we don’t typically think of in the Western church, other than as a vague concept.
This church is undergoing intense persecution for believing in Christ. Many of its members would face death in the years to come. Perhaps one of the most famous martyrs in church history was Polycarp, a disciple of John the Apostle., and bishop (pastor) of Smyrna. He was executed for refusing to recant his faith and worship the emperor.
Polycarp was sentenced to the fire. Some of his last words have been recorded: “Eighty and six years have I served Christ, and He has never done me wrong. How can I blaspheme my King who saved me? I fear not the fire that burns for a season and, after a while, is quenched. Who do you delay? Come, do your will.” And as the flames consumed his body, he prayed, “I thank You that you have graciously thought me worthy of this day and of this hour, that I may receive a portion in the number of the martyrs, in the cup of the Christ.”
Polycarp sang and prayed as the fire for his execution was prepared and lit. Finally, the judges had him stabbed to death because his testimony was having an unsettling effect on the crowds.
Many in the church today are facing persecution and martyrdom for their faith. According to Voice of the Martyrs (persecution.com), the top ten countries persecuting Christians are North Korea, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Somalia, Maldives, Bhutan, Vietnam, Yemen, Laos and China. Hundreds of thousands face persecution of some form, and tens of thousands are killed for their faith every year.
Even in the Western world, Christians are facing increasing persecution. The time is near when those who speak out against the immorality of our society will face imprisonment for hate crimes.
Yet Christ has a word of encouragement for those facing the world’s oppression. The overcomer will not be hurt by the second death. The second death is where non-believers are cast into the lake of fire (see Revelation 20:14; 21:8).
The world can persecute you and even take your life, but it can never take the hope and promises that are ours in Christ Jesus.
Until next time, pray for those persecuted and hold fast to your faith.
Be blessed
Hallelu Yah / Praise God
Kevin
Gleanings From The Word
Experience an extraordinary God in ordinary life.
Soli Deo Gloria (For the Glory of God alone)
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