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 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.’”

THEME OF THE DAY: THE COMMANDS TO SMYRNA. Jesus wrote seven letters to seven churches in Asia Minor.  They are found in the first two chapters of the New Testament book of Revelation.  The names of these churches are based on their locations – the church at Ephesus, Sardis, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphi, and Laodicea.  Each letter follows a pattern; description of the Head of the church, Jesus, followed by affirmations to the church, condemnation (if warranted), corrective measures, and promises if the correction is implemented.

In today’s scripture is the letter to one of two churches in which the Lord Jesus gives no rebuke, condemnation or correction.  The other church is the one in Philadelphia.   In Smyrna, these Christians were suffering tremendously for Jesus.  They were being verbally abused, put into prison, under the attacks of Satan, and some even martyred.  History tells us at least twelve martyrs came out of Smyrna with one of the famous being the godly man Polycarp.   As we mentioned, Jesus found no need for correction among the believers in Smyrna, but He does give to them, and now us, two commands.  These commands capture the whole of the Christian life.  In fact, it simplifies the Christian life.

The first command is . . . Do not fear.  Fear is a real issue in the Christian life.  We fear people (more than God). We fear circumstances.  We fear the uncertainties in a dangerous world, and we fear suffering as Christians. The greatest Christian who ever lived knew the temptation to be afraid or fear – “And the Lord said to Paul one night in a vision, “Do not be afraid, but go on speaking and do not be silent, for I am with you, and no one will attack you to harm you, for I have many in this city who are my people”” (Acts 18:9, 10). But we need not give into fear. Like the Apostle, we have the promise of God’s Presence in those fearful times, and that makes all the difference.  We are bold in Christ because we have Christ within.  This simple truth liberates us from the slavery of unhealthy fear.

The second command is . . . be faithful.  Not easy but simple.  The Apostle Paul would tell us what the bottom line in life is; what is the end goal of everything about us in life – “This is how one should regard us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. It is required of stewards that they be found faithful” (1 Corinthians 4:1–2). Faithfulness.  We are to so live that the chief element of the legacy we leave our family, friends, and churches is faithfulness – an uncompromising life of following the Lord Jesus.

God desires for us to be simple, childlike followers of His Son like the believers in Smyrna.  This simplicity is found in the commands of Jesus to them. Not easy commands, but simple – don’t be afraid and be faithful.

May the Lord help us to be like the Christians in Smyrna.

PRAYER: Father, help me see the life You command me to live is simple, not easy, but simple – trust and obey.

REFLECTION:  When God gives us a command to obey, He gives us the strength to obey.