Tag: Revelation 2:8-11
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.
The one who conquers!
Scripture reading for December 2nd: Esther 4-6, Revelation 2
Revelation 2: 8-11 “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 in 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.’
Jesus Christ, the glorified Savior and Head of the Church, His Bride, spoke messages to John for each of the seven churches of Asia that John had oversight for. In each instance, Jesus gave commendation to them and then proceeded to instruct or warn them of their need to be overcomers–ones who conquered! Their battle was with Satan, the prince of darkness and he would seek to imprison, kill and destroy God’s people. They must do battle by standing firm in Christ’s Words and the victory of the cross. Those who remain faithful, even unto death, reap amazing rewards. Authority over nations, the crown of life, eating of the tree of life in paradise, hidden manna, a new name and the morning star are just a few!
Revelation 2:26-27 “The one who conquers and who keeps My works until the end, to him I will give authority over the nations, and he will rule them with a rod of iron, as when earthen pots are broken in pieces, even as I myself have received authority from My Father.”
Prayer: Father God, thank You for sending Jesus Christ as our Savior and the promise of His return to reward each believer with amazing gifts of Your grace. Strengthen me today to stand firm in Christ’s victory over death and hell. I want to keep Your Word and do Your works until the end. I want my family, friends and neighbors to all know You and conquer the evil one through faith in Your Son.
Esther 4:14 “”For if you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance will rise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. And who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?””