We are just getting started in a study of one of the most intriguing books in the Bible. The book of Revelation. The author is John. When this book is written, John is the only surviving member of the 12. He’s been exiled to the Island of Patmos for his belief in and worship of the ONE true God. And while there he receives a vision from Jesus.
In the first chapter, v. 7, John says, (TAB) “…He is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see Him…”
In the last chapter, v. 20, Jesus says, (TAB) “… ‘Yes, I am coming soon.’” Rev. 22:20
In the vision John reveals that Jesus’ 2nd coming won’t be like His first. He will come as a (TAB) warrior king to judge the earth. This book shares all the details leading up to and beyond.
But 1st, Jesus tells John to write (TAB) 7 letters to 7 different churches. Now, for the Jews numbers are more than just a unit of measure they hold symbolic significance. And the number “7” is a symbol of completion. This has led many Bible teachers to speculate that perhaps the 7 letters to the 7 churches is more than it seems. Maybe they reveal 7 periods in all the church age. Whether that’s true or not, one things is for sure, these letters are incredibly relevant for the church & Christians even today. They are like x-rays with which we can examine our spiritual health.
And honestly, we’re not ready to hear about the coming judgment until we 1st hear Jesus’ words to these churches.
Last week we looked the letter to the church of Ephesus. Today it’s the letter to the (TAB) church of Smyrna. Let’s open to Revelation chapter 2.
The name “Smyrna” comes from this cities chief export back in the ancient times – (TAB) Myrrh. Which makes us think, of the wise men. Also, at the end of Jesus life, Nicodemus buys 75 lbs of myrrh & aloes to prepare Jesus body. Both might’ve originated here.
Look at chapter 2 beginning with v. 8 (READ v.8-11). And we have the letter to the church of Smyrna.
Like all 7 letters notice how it’s addressed to the “angel” of the church? (TAB) The word for angel in the original language is the word “messenger”, which probably means this is a reference to the pastor of the church rather than an angelic being.
We also notice that Jesus refers to Himself as, the one who (TAB) “died and came to life again”. Jesus does this purposely. In 600 BC, Smyrna was destroyed. All that was left were rubble & a small village living there… years later when Alexander the Great came through and had a vision to rebuild the city and did. So the history and lore of Smyrna is that they were dead and came back to life. But more than that, Jesus’ references to His death and new life would have been a real encouragement to this church. Because they were struggling, they face extreme difficulties. Jesus say in v.9,
“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.”
(TAB) This is an afflicted and struggling church because: #1 (TAB) the culture is immersed in Caesar worship. The citizens worship the reigning Caesar, as well as past dead Caesars. It’s a huge part of the culture and it’s bearing down heavy on the church. See, without a valid, legal exemption, to refused to worship Caesar meant you wouldn’t be hired to work. It meant you weren’t welcome to buy and sell at the city’s public square. So not only were the Christians here discriminated against but without an income, they were very poor.
There was another reason they were afflicted & struggling, because, (TAB) the local Jewish synagogue wanted no connection to them. See, the Jews didn’t worship Ceasar either - BUT they had a legal exemption due to an arrangement between Rome and Israel. The church.. had no exemption. But the Jews didn’t want to jeopardize their standing in the community with other “NON Caesar worshipers” so they took every opportunity to demean, reject and separate themselves from the Christians.
So the Christians had the Roman citizens of Smyrna and the Jews both against them. So, with Jesus referencing His death and new life - it’s like He’s saying, “I know your struggle – remember I died – people hated and even killed me – but that didn’t hold me down... don’t let it hold you down either. Because the new, eternal life I have – you have too. I know you poverty, but really.. you’re rich.” They were rich spiritual, rich eternally in Christ.
This should cause us to examine our own lives. Where are our priorities? Are we enamored and consumed with the stuff of this life, nice cloths, houses, cars – stuff in this temporal world or are we consumed with the eternal. (TAB) There are only 2 things in the physical world that are eternal: (TAB) people and God’s Word.
We need to invest in them. Knowing & growing in our relationship with God, applying His Word to life and relationships. Then Going to show and share His good news with others. NOW, we know that – but are we doing it? Are we working toward that? See, it’s easy to talk about this stuff in a church service – but we to not only hear but heed this – otherwise this means little to nothing. Being a follower of Jesus isn’t just hearing - it’s heeding Jesus words. It’s following Him. And if we’re not – then we have to ask ourselves if we’re followers at all. Are you hearing and heeding?
Back to our topic at hand – temporal things of the world, I’m not saying we shouldn’t have a nice car, or house or cloths…you can have those things just make sure they don’t have you – Where they a priority over God’s work. Our focus must be on eternal things.
1 Tim. 6:17-19 says (TAB)
“So the bottom line is everything belongs to God and if we are to be good stewards of God’s money, we should use His possessions to influence people into the Kingdom.”
?See the eternal focus? Jesus sees the church of Smyrna & says “You are poor but you are RICH” because you invest in eternal things.
Application Question: Does your life reflect proper investment in eternal things? If not, begin arranging things accordingly.
Charles Studd said, (TAB)“Only one life, twill soon be past, only what’s done for Christ will last.”
I like the way Thornton Wilder: (TAB)
“Money is like manure; it’s not worth a thing unless it’s spread around encouraging young things to grow.”
_____________________________________________________
God calls us to invest in eternal things. True riches. Then Jesus shares some hard news with them. v.10&11
“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.”
Man, they’re already suffering, now prison or death?
Suffering isn’t something any of us want. But in this sin- filled-broken-world it’s inevitable. It’s not a matter of if, but when. For some it’s extreme. Please watch the screens. (TAB – Video of Kingsley)
Suffering is hard, and of course God didn’t cause those deaths in Nigeria… But God does promise to use all things (even bad things) for good.
And when we are faithful in the midst of suffering God can do incredible things. Ex. How many Christians in the 1950’s heard of missionary (TAB) Jim Elliot’s death at the hand of the Indians in Ecuador – He just wanted them to know Jesus – and he was killed. But God used it for good, thousands were inspired and entered mission work - because of him.
Or how about (TAB) The Ten Boom Family during WWII hid Jews from the Nazi’s in their home outside Amsterdam. They ended up being arrested, (TAB) 3 of them were sent to a concentration camp. The father lasted 10 days (TAB) before he died. His two daughters, Betsie and Corrie were move from one concentration camp and then another. They continued to hold firmly to their faith in Jesus, even risking their lives to sharing bible studies with a bible they smuggled in. Many came to know Jesus. One day when Corrie (on the right) was really down, her sister, Betsie said to her, (TAB)“There is no pit so deep that He is not deeper still.” Betsie would (TAB) die in that concentration camp.
But doesn’t the light shine brightest when it’s darkest. Because of the Ten Boom family’s faithfulness in the suffering, Millions have been inspired & encouraged to be faithful to Jesus – no matter what.
Listen, when we faithfully follow Jesus – we’re going to suffer. Our flesh will suffer when we choose God’s way not ours. Our schedule will suffer when we do what God wants instead what we want. And sometimes there will be outside forces that make us suffer. (TAB) 1 Peter 2:21 says “For God called you to do good, even if it means suffering, just as Christ suffered for you. He is your example, and you must follow in His steps.” NLT
And when the suffering is from the outside. Remember Jesus words (TAB) “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…” Matt. 5:11&12a
Suffering is an opportunity to SHOW JESUS in pain. No, it’s not easy. In fact, it can be the hardest thing we’ll ever do. But God will use it to turn hearts to Him.
So, Jesus shares this difficult new with the church but He doesn’t do so without encouragement. He tells them that (TAB) they don’t have to be afraid if they keep their mind
on 2 things:
1. (TAB) Their suffering is temporary. He says it will be for 10 days, so it won’t be permanent. It will end. The suffering is temporary.
2. (TAB) They have eternal life coming. He says, “Be faithful… and I will give you the crown of life.”
In bad situations, what is the worst thing that can happen to a Christian? Death? But if we die then we’re with Jesus. He says, “I will give you the crown of life”. In those athletic games victors were given crowns, wreaths to wear on their heads. Jesus is saying, “When you’re faithful to me, you are the victor.”
The Christians at Smyrna weren’t ever going to have a crown in this life. They were poor, they were afflicted, discriminated against & persecuted, but Jesus say, “You hold on, you remain faithful to Me. Because in the end – you win. I’ll give you something this world can’t give – the crown of eternal life.
Then as Jesus closes this letter He says: “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” X2 He says this after each of the 7 letters. Why? He’s telling us “If you are hearing this, listen up! This is important!” “hear and heed My words.”
Because when we do (look at the last part of v. 11) “He who overcomes will not be hurt at all by the second death.”
The word (TAB) “death” means “separation”. The 2nd death is eternal separation from God - in the lake of fire. He says, “When you hear and heed my words – the 2nd death is taken off the table for you.”
___________________________________________________________________
So, there is the 1st letter (TAB) to the church of Ephesus – who did all the right things but for the wrong reasons. It wasn’t out of a heart of love for Jesus. And He tells them, repent or you’ll cease being a church. He’ll remove them. It’s no different today. Jesus wants to be our first love. Is He? If not, heed and hear. REPENT!
Then you have (TAB) the letter to church of Smyrna. An afflicted struggling church in poverty – but they held on. Amidst suffering they stood for the cause of Christ. Will you? Will you stand for the truth if the world is against you? It might not involve prison or death for us – but it involve giving of ourselfs, our time, finances. Will you share the good news of Jesus in word & deed with others? Will you help to get His word out?
This letter is as relevant today as it was then. If they weren’t willing – they’d have to answer to Jesus. And so will you and I.
What can you plan to do right now – to better stand for Jesus? Commit it to Him and stand strong Let’s bow
