Revelation 2: 8 “To the angel of the church in Smyrna write:
“This is the message from the one who is the first and the
last, who died and lived again. 9 I know your troubles; I know that you are
poor—but really you are rich! I know the evil things said against you by those
who claim to be Jews but are not; they are a group that belongs to Satan! 10 Don't be
afraid of anything you are about to suffer. Listen! The Devil will put you to
the test by having some of you thrown into prison, and your troubles will last
ten days. Be faithful to me, even if it means death, and I will give you life
as your prize of victory.
11 “If you have ears, then, listen to what the Spirit says to
the churches!
“Those who win the victory will not be hurt by the second
death.
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After going through
the storm of life, I sat in a daze. This particular storm was pretty harsh.
Wounded and exhausted I said “Please don’t let another storm happen right now.”
- Life had dished out difficult stretch.
- Wave one of problems was enough.
- I don’t know how I could have survived another wave of problems like that.
John, the disciple
JESUS loved, wrote his second warning of seven. This time it was to Smyrna.
JESUS had no correction for this church. However, HE did say this church would
suffer from religious persecution. John gave a perspective of death that is
healthy for believers. There will be no “second” death to those who believe.
My Observations:
- Fearing death is natural, BUT GOD wants me to desire eternal life with HIM.
- Believers of JESUS will experience everlasting life if they die.
- Those who die without belief in JESUS as the Savior, will experience a second death that is eternal.
Eternal death is
not only permanent, but never ending. Pain and suffering intensifies from one
moment to the next. Meanwhile, those who have eternal life will experience no
pain, no suffering and increasing reasons to praise!
GOD sees the
suffering that you and I have gone through. HE stores up rewards in heaven
where they cannot be stolen by the enemy. HE is excited to provide relief from
life’s pressures, but HE wants us to remain until we find the last person to
accept JESUS as the Savior.
Challenge
- What feeling does the writer write about?
- Have you ever felt oppressed or faced suffering for your belief in JESUS?
- Will you continue in your faith, even if persecution increases, knowing that GOD has you and you will not experience a second death, but will reap a wonderful harvest?
