We look at the second of Jesus’ 7 letters to the churches, the letter to the church in Smyrna. This church receives no rebuke and the Smyrnaeans are encouraged as they undergo persecution from the authorities and slander from the Jews. However, we are in for as surprise. Rather than promising to strike down their enemies, Jesus asks them to remain faithful, through tribulation, even unto death. We are challenged to view things from God’s perspective; to pursue the crown of life, to avoid the second death & to follow the one with resurrection power. This life is only momentary & the question remains, are we living for the next one? This letter is challenging, worldview changing, surprising and it all hinges on the fact that Jesus died but has now come back to life! He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.
