Soon!

Featured Photo of Saint Polycarp Church by Willian Justen de Vasconcellos on Pexels.com

Here is a link to last week’s study of Revelation, “Soon”.

…Be faithful to death, and I will give you the crown of life. Revelation 2:10 (WEB)

Do you believe that the persecution of the Church, the followers of Christ, is still occurring?

Well, it is. While observing our faith in North America and much of Europe is easy today, both continents have faced severe persecution in the past.

But persecution persists, even in the free world. A common example in the U.S. is the risk of legal action against Christians for upholding their beliefs, despite the constitutional guarantee of religious freedom.

Believers should never try to pressure or scare people about accepting the Gospel. God gives all people the choice.

However, it is our duty to stand resolute in obedience to the Great Commission of Jesus.

We are to share the reason for our faith whatever our personal cost. We can take inspiration from the example of the Church in Smyrna.

Smyrna is the second church described in the book of Revelation. Here are some interesting facts about Smyrna.

Smyrna, now Izmir, Turkey, is a key tourist destination filled with ancient sites and modern points of interest. There are around 85 million residents and countless tourists who need to hear the Gospel. Converting Muslims to Christianity is illegal, but believers can pray for them.

Turkey is a Muslim country with a presidential democracy that protects Christian visitors, but residents face more restrictions on their religious freedom. There are Christian churches, but converting to Christianity can lead to serious family backlash.

You may recall that John was to write a letter from Jesus to each of the seven churches. Let’s go back to the story and listen to the Savior’s words for the Church at Smyrna.

Revelation 2: 8 & 9

“To the angel of the assembly in Smyrna write:

“I Am The first the last, who was dead, and has come to life says these things:

 “I know your works, oppression, and your poverty (but you are rich),

and the blasphemy of those who say they are Jews, and they are not but are a synagogue of Satan.“

The Church at Smyrna was suffering because of their loyal love for Jesus. In a city of wealth, they found their treasure in Christ.

Although impoverished due to persecution, they were steadfastly devoted.

The ice holds captives in its grasp,

but in this barren place,

A brilliant flash of warmth is found

in Jesus’ tender grace.

–Beth Carley

The Smyrnians needed to be cautious of ungodly Jews who opposed Christ and His followers. Before Jesus died and rose again, He told His followers this:

“…but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven,

where neither moth nor rust consumes,

and where thieves don’t break through and steal…”

Matthew 6:20 (CSB)

Our hope is indeed, built on nothing less than Jesus, whose victory over sin and death assures us that true freedom is found in Him alone.

Here is a reminder from Paul-

“…as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.” 2 Corinthians 6:10,

Have you heard of the Smyrnaean martyr, Polycarp? Visit the website at gotquestions.org and learn about this hero of the faith.

The scripture refers to false prophets and the Jews as the synagogue of Satan, who persecuted the Church in Smyrna and reported Polycarp to the Romans, providing the logs for his pyre.

This was the sort of persecution that the church at Smyrna faced. But look at the message the Savior instructed John to deliver to the Church.

Don’t be afraid of the things which you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested; and you will have oppression for ten days. Be faithful to death, and I will give you the crown of life. 

He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the assemblies. He who overcomes won’t be harmed by the second death. Revelation 2:8-11

Who but Jesus could deliver such a task to the people of God? And how could any of us turn Him down?

I hope that you have found your place of service alongside Jesus and your brothers and sisters in the faith.

Keep sharing in your world. So many people are hurting and need what only our Jesus can give-Life!

World English Bible (WEB)

by Public Domain. The name “World English Bible” is trademarked.