The Church of Smyrna
The Church of Smyrna was a church that received no rebuke from the Lord but only praise. It was spiritually rich, holding on to its faith even in the face of martyrdom for serving and following God. Smyrna was a church that remained faithful through persecution, and even today, we continue to hear of such churches around the world.
However, there were people within the church who spread slander and false rumors about believers, causing many faithful ones to suffer great trials. Behind all of it was the influence of Satan. Even now, across the world, more and more people are being imprisoned, tortured, and even killed simply for being part of the church. Yet even when the church suffers, the Lord remains with it to the end. Even in death, the Lord who is head of the church glorifies it with the eternal life of resurrection and is always present with His people.
Is our church today seeking prosperity and comfort in the world? Are we hearing the Lord’s voice saying, “You are truly rich,” and genuinely longing for the blessings of the kingdom of God enjoyed by the church of Smyrna? Let us reflect ourselves in the truth and examine whether we are truly longing for the spiritual richness that makes the kingdom of God our everything.
1) Christ as Head of the Church of Smyrna
Let us take note of the message revealed to the Church of Smyrna about Christ as the head of the church.
8 “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.” (Revelation 2:8)
》Prayer Point
1. Jesus Christ is the beginning and the end of all history. Let us proclaim that Jesus Christ is the only true ruler who reigns over both what is visible in the world and what is unseen. Let us give thanks that by dying on the cross, the Lord broke the power of sin and death, and by rising again, gave the church a holy life that allows us to boldly approach God.
2) The Church of Christ Is a Victorious Church
Let us proclaim in faith that the church, which is the body of Christ, is a victorious church that the power of hell cannot overcome.
》Scripture Prayer
(Revelation 2:9–11,NIV)
9 I know your afflictions and your poverty—yet you are rich! I know about the slander of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan.
10 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 life as your victor’s crown.
11 Whoever has ears, let them hear what the SPIRIT says to the churches. The one who is victorious will not be hurt at all by the second death.
》Pray that the Word may become the Conclusion.
1. The ones who crucified Jesus were His own people, the Jews, the nation of Israel that offered sacrifices daily in the temple. Jesus was rejected by those closest to Him and lived in suffering and poverty, yet He was truly rich because He was always with God. He did not fear death and remained faithful even on the cross until the very end. The church of Smyrna simply followed its Head, Jesus Christ, with daily obedience. Today, let us choose by faith whether we will live the richest life with Christ or shrink back in fear of the trials and tests that come from the synagogue of Satan.
2. In the history of God, the suffering allowed for the church has always had an end. Like the people of faith in Hebrews 11, some conquered nations and won battles, while others endured torture but refused release in order to gain a better resurrection. Jesus Christ, who rose from the dead, broke the power of death held by Satan. He is still waiting to give us the crown of life that cannot be touched by the second death. Every person is born crying and fades away like mist, but we, who believe in Jesus Christ and possess eternal life, must pray that we will remain faithful even unto death in the final tribulation and receive the crown of life.
》 Urgent prayer requests around the world need your prayer!
