The Crown of Life
Scripture reading for December 2: Revelation 2
“”And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write: ‘The Words of the First and the Last, Who died and came to life. “I know your tribulation and your poverty (but you are rich) and the slander of those who say that they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and for ten days you will have tribulation. Be faithful unto 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. The one who conquers will not be hurt by the second death.'” Revelation 2:8-11
The glorious and resurrected Jesus Christ revealed Himself to John on the prison-island of Patmos and there gave him personal letters to deliver to each of the seven church that John was elder over. This devotion is taken from the short letter to the church at Smyrna that was at that time under severe persecution and poverty. Jesus introduced Himself as the “First and the Last, Who died and came to life.” Jesus wanted this church to know that He was before all things and would exist after all things. He reminded them of His sacrificial death on the cross and His glorious resurrection. A vision of Jesus in victory would help His people to stand firm.
Jesus then told the church that He knew about their tribulation and their poverty because of it. He knew about the slander spoken against them by those who were religious Jews but void of God’s Spirit. Jesus reminded them that they were really rich through adoption into God’s family. Jesus told them not to be afraid of the suffering that would come to test their faith. The suffering would have a set time and then pass. If believers would be faithful to Jesus, even unto death, they would receive the Crown of Life eternal awarded to all overcomers! They would conquer death and the devil by faithfulness and faith and the second death would not hurt them. Christ’s blood would shield them from eternal fire.
Have you considered the possibility of a time of tribulation and suffering because of your faith in Jesus? How does this world view clash with our current culture of health, wealth and prosperity? What did Jesus mean to have ears to hear the Spirit is saying to the churches in this letter?
Prayer: Father God, thank You for Jesus Christ, the First and Last. Persecution for the Name of Jesus is certainly in our world today and many have died for their stand of faith. Help me to stand firm and use my ears to hear what the Spirit is saying to the churches. I am desiring the Crown of Life! Amen.
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