Letters From God – (Part II): Be Faithful Unto Death

“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.  Revelation 2:10

INTRODUCTION

This is the second part of our series on God’s messages to the churches. In the first part, we marvelled at God’s boundless love and His unwavering commitment to guide us. Like a shepherd who never leaves his flock unguided, God watches over us, examines our hearts and deeds, and lovingly corrects us when we stray from His path.

Through a series of letters, God spoke directly to seven of the first-generation Christian churches. Each letter followed a divine structure: first, a diagnosis of the church’s spiritual health; second, a detailed account of their spiritual challenges, their root causes, and consequences; and finally, a prescription for restoration. These messages provided clarity to the churches of that time, affirming that the All-Knowing, Eternal God—the Alpha and Omega—was fully aware of their struggles and choices.

The beauty of these letters lies in their timeless relevance. Though written to specific congregations, each one ends with a universal call: “Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” This closing transforms the letters from historical messages into living words for today’s believers—you, me, and everyone who professes faith in Christ.

In today’s article, we turn our focus to the second letter, addressed to the church in Smyrna. As emphasized earlier, this message transcends time. It speaks to every believer, offering both clarity for those who have already walked this path and preparation for those yet to face it.

Jesus, our Master, endured the trials of Smyrna, and we, as His followers, are called to do the same. He reminds us: “Remember what I told you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also” (John 15:20).

Take this letter to heart. Whether it reflects past experiences or prepares you for future trials, heed the warning: “Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches” (Revelation 2:11). Let the wisdom of Proverbs 4:20 also guide you:“My son [or daughter], pay attention to what I say; turn your ear to my words.”

DESCRIPTION OF THE SPIRITUAL CONDITION OF THE CHURCH IN SMYRNA

History tells us that Smyrna was a commercial and wealthy city. It played host to visitors from different parts of the world who were there along trade routes and engaged in an endless stream of buying and selling.  The busy commerce also rubbed off on the entertainment, academic, social, cultural, and spiritual landscape of the city.  New drama, dance, philosophy, fashion, worship style, and other many other new things found their way to other towns and cities through Smyrna.  We can relate to that can’t we?

With such a fertile ground for prosperity, none of the inhabitants of Smyrna should have been poor.  The people were no doubt-business minded and should have benefitted from their fair share of foreign investment in their economy.  And many did.  But sadly, the church members in Smyrna were poor.  And that was not even the only problem they had.

As described in the letter to them by the “One who sees and knows all,” they were also afflicted in other ways.  Their Christian business practices stood out against the capitalism and materialism that characterized the commercial transactions of the town.  The simplicity of the church contrasted sharply with the extravagance of the dance theatres and fashion houses.  And their godliness was a silent rebuke to the worldliness evident on the streets, in homes, classrooms, business, political, and religious centres.

As a result, they incurred derision, wrath, malice, and jealousy in good measure.  Their best intentions were given the worst interpretation, and their comportment, speech, and conduct were subject to sanctions and harsh sentencing.  Everywhere they went, they were sorely afflicted by their neighbours, unbelieving relatives, city council officials, business partners, customers, and even strangers.

They were also slandered and maligned by those who should have been the ones to receive and protect them – the Jews – the ones to whom the charge had first been given: “go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” – Matthew 28:19. They were the ones who should have defended them.  But no! Instead, these Jews were their chief slanderers and persecutors.

At the time of sending this letter, the accurate description of how Christians talked, walked, dressed, what they ate, believed, and preached had spread far and wide.  It had led to the conversion of many, as well as to the affliction of many.  The church in Smyrna had an unfair amount of the latter than the former, and the God who knows all things sent this message to them: “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.” – verse 9

 

DIAGNOSIS OF THE SPIRITUAL CONDITION OF THE CHURCH IN SMYRNA

As much as the church in Smyrna loved the Lord, and as much as they had tried to obey Him faithfully and lovingly in all their ways, they had been afflicted by the viruses of persecution, poverty, and slander.  The Master Physician knew that without His divine touch, it was only a matter of time before they would succumb to the ravaging effect of these virulent viruses and give up their faith.

Earlier, when Jesus walked on earth, He had taught the multitude on the mountain top: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” – Matthew 5:3. He knew that after His death, the spirit of many believers would be crushed.  Surrounded by prosperity and plenty, Jesus knew that many would be impoverished by being ostracized.  He knew that the faith of many would be sorely tried and they would be at risk of giving up.

But the Alpha and Omega has already made provision for the eternal reward of those thus afflicted.  And so, He gave the assurance to the church in Smyrna: “I know…”

God who sees everything, assured them that their sickness was not due to any fault of theirs.  It was the result of external forces because of their faith in Him.  God doesn’t just see our sufferings, but He experiences them with us.  Hence, He knows exactly what we are going through and those who are responsible for it.  And just as He described the pain the Smyrna church was experiencing to them with the introduction “I know” and those who were behind their pain, so He sees and knows all that we go through today.  He knows those tormenting us and invites us to take His prescription to soothe our pain.

While waiting to share the rest of the article with you, I invite you to meditate on the beautiful hymn entitled “The Church’s One Foundation Is Jesus Christ her Lord” authored by Samuel John Stone – (1839 – 1900).

 

1.The Church’s one foundation

Is Jesus Christ her Lord;

She is His ne creation

By water and the word:

From heaven He came and sought her

To be His holy bride:

With His own blood He bought her,

And for her life He died.

2. Elect from every nation,

Yet one o’er all the earth,

Her charter of salvation

One Lord, one faith, one birth,

One holy name she blesses,

Partakes one holy food,

And to one hope she presses,

With every grace endued.

5. Yet she on earth hath union

With God the Three in One,

And mystic sweet communion

With those whose rest is won.

O happy ones and holy!

Lord, give us grace that we,

Like them, the meek and lowly,

On high may dwell with Thee.

To be continued!

Stay Blessed!

Please continue to join us on Asempa 94.7 FM – Sundays 5.30 am., Sunny 88.7 FM – Tuesdays 5:30 am; and YFM 107.9 – Sundays 6.30am; for our Radio Bible Study as well as Sunny FM 88.7 FM every Sunday at 3:30 pm. for Hymns and their Stories.

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