REVEALING REVELATIONS -2
“Smyrna”
"To the angel of the church in Smyrna write:
These are the words of him who is the First and the Last, who died and came to life again. I know your afflictions and your poverty—yet you are rich! I know the slander of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of 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. He who overcomes will not be hurt at all by the second death.” Revelation 2:8-11
Smyrna was a port city, as Ephesus was. It was located in Turkey along the Mediterranean Sea. In fact, Smyrna was only about 35 miles north of Ephesus and I wouldn’t be surprised if the churches didn’t associate and visit one another occasionally. Paul probably started this church on his third missionary trip, scholars think. It was a city of about 100,000 in Paul’s day.
Jesus’ words to this church falls into 7 parts.
1. A greeting.
2. A Christ reference
3. A Compassionate Word
4. A Commendation.
5. A Charge
6. A Call to hear.
7. A Comforting promise.
First, the greeting. Last week we said that the word ‘Angel’ means “God’s messenger. The greeting was to the pastor or “God’s messenger” to this church. The message was meant to be passed on. John began this letter by saying:
“Blessed is the one who reads the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near.” Rev. 1:3
This letter is meant for you. This letter is meant for me. Our great Heavenly Father, who loves us so much, wants us to be prepared. He doesn’t want us to be surprised. So He warns us. He cautions us. He prepares us.
And who is this One who is preparing us for what is to come? 2. The Christ. Listen:
“I turned around to see the voice that was speaking to me. And when I turned I saw seven golden lampstands, and among the lampstands was someone "like a son of man," dressed in a robe reaching down to his feet and with a golden sash around his chest. His head and hair were white like wool, as white as snow, and his eyes were like blazing fire. His feet were like bronze glowing in a furnace, and his voice was like the sound of rushing waters. In his right hand he held seven stars, and out of his mouth came a sharp double-edged sword. His face was like the sun shining in all its brilliance.
When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. Then he placed his right hand on me and said: "Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last. I am the Living One; I was dead, and behold I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades.
"Write, therefore, what you have seen, what is now and what will take place later.” Revelation 1:12-19
John wants to make sure this church know who this is. He says,
“These are the words of him who is the First and the Last, who died and came to life again.”
What an awesome visualization of Jesus! Each one of those picture words has great meaning. I don’t have time to go into them today. But just know, the robe, the sash, the white hair, the blazing eyes, the bronze feet – all mean something. Scholars differ somewhat on what they mean – but check it out sometime. What I what you to get today is the message. He is saying, “Listen Up! This is Jesus who is about to speak to you!” That’s good instruction for us as well. Let’s listen up and see what Jesus is going to say to us.
I want you to notice again how Jesus uses Plus+ Minus –Plus+ in His communication. He begins, 3. Compassion, with a word of compassion. He says, “I know your afflictions and your poverty”.
The church in Smyrna was a persecuted church. The Jews were very strong in this city. It had a number of synagogues. They controlled the city and the wealth of the city. I imagine it was difficult to find a job or eke out a living if you were not a part of the ‘good ol’ boys’ group. The Jews were very strong in their opposition. One of the pastors that preceded me in one of the churches I pastored was converted from a Jewish family. I am told that when he converted to Christianity his family had a funeral for him. It was as if he was dead to them.
These folks probably suffered that kind of persecution. They were poor and afflicted. But remember Jesus’ words in His very first sermon?
“Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. "Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” Matthew 5:10-12
You will suffer persecution when you live a godly life. Paul wrote:
“In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.”
2 Timothy 3:12
A time is coming when we will be persecuted for our faith in Christ. We are intolerant toward evil. We are salt in the wounds of the world. A day is coming when to be a Christian is to suffer persecution. Are you up for it?
Paul wrote: “You … know all about my …persecutions, sufferings—what kinds of things happened to me in Antioch, Iconium and Lystra, the persecutions I endured. Yet the Lord rescued me from all of them.” 2 Timothy 3:10-11
“The Lord rescued me from them all.” What words of encouragement! When I was just a baby Christian going through some personal trials and tribulations, a kind older Christian lady, Mrs. Rexroth, told me, “God’s will will never take you where His grace can not keep you.” I don’t know if it was original or not – but I never forgot it – or her. Paul wrote the Corinthians,
“No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.” 1 Corinthians 10:13
Peter wrote:
“Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. For it is time for judgment to begin with the family of God; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God?” 1 Peter 4:12-17
Persecution is coming – the good news is that God is faithful. He will never give us more than we can bear. With Paul we will be able to testify, “God delivered me out of them all!”
Before I leave this subject let me add this. The result of suffering for the Christian is – what? It is great joy. When we suffer in the flesh it cause pain and crying and result in scars. When we suffer spiritually it results in rejoicing and glory and reward. It will be worth it.
If you are suffering right now – physical pain, emotional pain, relationship pain, temptation pain, worry pain – turn it over to Jesus. Let Him bear your burden. He will help you through it. He suffered so we don’t have to.
Jesus gives these folks in Smyrna a commendation. 4. A Commendation. He says, “. I know your afflictions and your poverty—yet you are rich!”
In the physical world they were hurting. They were poor. But spiritually – they were wealthy. They were rich! Jesus talked about storing up riches in heaven. These people were doing it! Peter said,
“And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.” 1 Peter 5:4
These people endured persecution. Undoubtedly they endured great temptation to quit and give up and give in. Their family and friends turned against them. The government was against them. Everything had been taken from them – yet Jesus could proclaim that they were rich. Not that they WOULD be rich. But even right then, at that time, they were rich spiritually. They had hope and faith and love. They were rich in the fruits of the Spirit and enveloped in God’s love. And no matter what their physical state was; no matter what they were enduring – they were rich. And the world couldn’t take that away from them.
I pray you would store up treasure in heaven – but I pray that even now in this life with all its hassles and with your spirit housed in flesh – you would be wealthy in spiritual things and enjoy a peace from God that is beyond understanding.
Then Jesus gives them a charge. He says,
“Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death…”
Jesus says, “Don’t be afraid. And “Be faithful”. That’s good advice for us, isn’t it? Don’t be afraid. In this world of trial and woe – how can we not be afraid? By keeping faith in Jesus – and reading the end of the book. We are going to go through some trials and tribulation and temptation. There is going to be a great falling away when the going gets tough. People are going to backslide and reject Christianity like it was a hot potato. But we know how it’s going to end. When the dust has settled and the fight is over – we will be standing straight and tall – victorious. Why? Because we will have remained faithful.
The church in Smyrna was a persecuted church, as I have already said. When John said that some will be thrown into prison he knew that Roman imprisonment was usually a prelude to execution. He encouraged the believers to be faithful even unto death. In this persecution, John’s own apprentice, Polycarp, was martyred here in 155 A.D. He was an example of John’s warning. He refused to blaspheme the Lord’s name and was subsequently burned alive.
Stuff like that still happens today in various parts of the world. It may happen to you. Are you ready? Are you spiritually prepared?
Next, Jesus gives a clarion call. 6. A Call He says,
“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”
Sometimes we just don’t hear. We just don’t get it. We get preoccupied. We get distracted. We lose our focus. If that is you – get back in the groove. Get on fire again! Wake up! Listen to what the Spirit is saying. Sometimes we hear – but we aren’t hearing. The sounds are bouncing off our ear drums – but we aren’t getting it. We need to really hear what Jesus is saying to us personally. That takes prayer. That takes thought. That takes meditation. Hear what the Spirit is saying to you today.
Lastly, Jesus leaves this church with, 8. A Comforting promise. He says,
“He who overcomes will not be hurt at all by the second death.”
He said previously that if we are faithful unto death that we would receive “a crown of life”. Death is but a door into a greater and better kingdom for the Christian. Now we are promised to “not be hurt at all by the second death”. What’s the second death? This is one subject that is made pretty clear. John says,
“Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. The lake of fire is the second death.” Revelations 20:14
We do not have to fear the lake of fire. It is for those who have not overcome the world and sin and Satan.” We have overcome those things. How do we do that? John tells us. He says,
“This is love for God: to obey his commands. And his commands are not burdensome, for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world? Only he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.” 1 John 5:3-5
If you truly believe that Jesus is the son of God you will obey his commands. They won’t be burdensome to you because when you truly love Jesus you will delight to do His will. You will search for His will. You will desire to please Him in every way. The victory over the world is through faith. Faith is believing God’s revealed will to you, trusting Him, and acting on it – or obeying. That is faith – and if you truly believe in Jesus – you will live by faith in Him. That isn’t to say it’s easy. The flesh wars against our spirit. But the believer gives in to the Spirit. He overcomes – through faith.
Are you living by faith? Have you made Jesus your Lord and Savior? If not – you have a lot of be afraid of. I would be trembling in my shoes if I didn’t know Jesus. But I know Him - and I’m not afraid. You can know Him, too. All it takes to cross from death to life is a little prayer like this:
Dear Jesus,
Please forgive me of my sins. I have lived in rebellion with you. I have chosen to do my own thing and go my own way. Forgive me of my rebellious attitude. From now on, with your help, I will follow you. I will obey Your Word. I put my faith in You, Jesus, right now. Help me to live a life that is pleasing to You from now on.
In Jesus Name,
Get into the Bible, get into the Church, get into the fellowship.
