Persecuted, Poor But Rich

Dear Saints:

We are continuing our study of the book of Revelation (please read the entire chapters 2-3). Today, Jesus speaks to the church in Smyrna and to all of us.

The church of Smyrna were poor in this world’s standard even though the city was prosperous and a place for major commerce at that time. However, Jesus reminds them that they are rich in Him and that His grace and mercy is sufficient for them. Jesus is sufficient at all levels of life - poor or rich in material goods.

If you notice, among the seven churches Smyrna is one of two that there was nothing said against them by Jesus. Is it possible that their poverty in world's goods kept them focused on Jesus and the provision of His grace?

In addition to poverty, the Smyrna church had trials and persecution. The government persecuted them because they refused to worship Caesar. In fact, their level of poverty may be due to the discrimination they suffered because their first allegiance was to Jesus Christ and not Caesar. They were already going through some persecutions but more was coming. Some of them will be thrown into prison. Jesus again gives them His assurance. Let’s read:

⁸ “And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write,

‘These things says the First and the Last, who was dead, and came to life: ⁹ “I know your works, tribulation, and poverty (but you are rich); and I know the blasphemy of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. ¹⁰ Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer.

Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.

¹¹ “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. He who overcomes shall not be hurt by the second death.” Revelation 2:8-11.

At this point we must remind ourselves of who is speaking to the church at Smyrna and to us. Jesus as He introduced Himself. “These things says the First and the Last, who was dead, and came to life”. Yes, this is the risen Jesus who has all power and all authority.

“He [God the Father] worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, ²¹ far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come.

²² And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church, ²³ which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.” Ephesians 1:20-23.

What are you facing right now? Jesus is more than able to deal with it. We are studying the book of Revelation and not revelations. The Revelation is of Jesus Christ. The revelation of Jesus Himself is what we must get out of the study of all scripture. We must meet and know the Jesus Christ of scripture who died and rose again. “Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer.” This is the word of Jesus for you today.

Remember Jesus came to baptize with the Holy Spirit and with the refining fire (Luke 3:15-18). Persecutions and trials are His refining fires. Let's welcome all His refining fire and may His grace be sufficient for us. Amen.

Do you know this Jesus? Not whether you know about him. We must have a relationship with Jesus and the Father and with the Holy Spirit. Lord, thank you for revealing yourself to us. Amen.

Lord, please reveal yourself to the one reading this who does not know you and does not have a relationship with you. Amen.