One of the ways that we may lose our faith in God is by failing to recognize how rich we are. This is the focus of John’s message to the Christians in the city of Smyrna in Revelation 2:8-11.
Jesus dictated the book of Revelation to John to warn the Christians of Asia Minor about things that were to happen in their lifetime. Multiple times Jesus tells John to write down things that must “soon” or “quickly” come to pass. John was not writing to you and me. But in all seven letters, John writes that “he who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” (Rev 2:6 ESV) As with all the New Testament, we can glean from these letters information to help us remain faithful to God.
The city of Smyrna in what we know today as Turkey was a very wealthy city. By the time John wrote, Smyrna had built temples to worship the goddess Roma as well as Roman emperors Augustus and Tiberius Caesar. Each year the citizens had to offer sacrifices to Caesar, a problem for Christians who would not bow down to worship the emperor. Additionally, we read in the book of Acts that the Jews were persecuting Christians all over the Roman empire, often persuading the Roman authorities to imprison and or beat them - sometimes resulting in death. Even the Apostle Paul had persecuted Christians. This is the setting of the church in Smyrna to which John writes.
Jesus tells John he knows the tribulation and poverty the Christians are experiencing. This is not poverty like what we see in this country in 2023. The Greek word suggests they are not merely poor, but are destitute. But Smyrna was a wealthy city. Why were they poor? I believe it is not a stretch to infer that these Christians are destitute because of their faith in God; they are suffering because they will not demonstrate their loyalty to Rome. Would we have the same patient endurance that these Christians had if we suffered economic catastrophe because of our faith? Would we remain faithful if being a Christian meant losing our house, car, and 401K?
But Jesus says that they are rich. How could that be? The Christians in Smyrna were destitute. They had nothing. Lacking possessions is not an excuse for why we choose not to obey God. But Jesus knew their faith. They were rich because they had what really matters.
If we don’t recognize and value our spiritual riches, we won’t be content. Unless we ignore our material possessions, we won’t see all the spiritual blessings we possess. Loving the things of this world quenches our love for Jesus. Jesus said “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other.” (Matthew 6:24 ESV) You cannot love both of them - you will be devoted to one and despise the other. The verse ends with “you cannot serve God and money.” Do we really believe what Jesus is saying?
Unfortunately for these suffering Christians in Smyrna, things were going to get much worse. Can you imagine being a destitute, faithful Christian in Smyrna and reading this letter for the first time? The suffering that is coming is going to be severe. Some will be thrown into prison and suffer tribulation for “10 days.” Others will suffer the death of a martyr. Despite the fact that the cause of the suffering is the devil, not God, many will abandon God and turn to the devil. Just as Jesus said that he “was dead, and has come to life,” these brethren are promised a victory crown if they remained faithful until death. (Rev. 2:8,10 ESV).
In Blanco, Texas in 2023 it’s easy to serve God. No one is slandering me for my faith. I did not lose my job because of my faith. I am not worshipping in secret to avoid persecution. Will we only serve God when it is easy, or will we serve God under any circumstance? In the first century, the brethren at Smyrna were called upon to serve while suffering. What if that happened to us in the USA in 2023? Would we remain faithful?
If our understanding of God’s mercy and divine power is that he will not let us suffer, then perhaps we do not know the God of the Bible. Contrary to some popular religious teaching today, God does promise wealth or isolation from suffering. God promises eternal salvation to those who are faithful to him to the end.
If things got bad in Blanco for Christians, would I respond like those in Smyrna had up until that time? Would I be willing to sacrifice everything? Though it would undoubtedly be difficult, I must keep in mind that, when compared to eternity, suffering for Christ is only temporary. The devil may send us waves of pain and suffering to make us lose our faith. God never promised us an easy journey. God devotes himself to saving. That is God’s focus and this must be our focus. Though today I am not poor like those in Smyrna, I may find myself in that condition tomorrow. If so, I must remember Paul’s words to the Romans “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.” (Rom 8:18 ESV)
As I don’t want to be found misunderstanding God’s word and therefore teaching error, I welcome any feedback to this article. The brethren of the Blanco Hills Church of Christ welcome you to worship with us every Sunday at 11am and join us for Bible study every Sunday at 10 am and Wednesday at 5pm.
Buz Turk
Blanco Hills Church of Christ
blancohillschurch.com
830-554-0701