How fearless are you and I? James, our oldest, is fearless when it comes to trying new things or meeting new people. I, on the other hand, use to be terrified to try something new or talk to someone I didn’t know. God (and James) have helped me be less fearful of both.
Well, what about our walk with Jesus? How fearless are
you and I when it comes to living for Christ? The church in Smyrna was quite
fearless for Jesus!
Revelation 2:8-11 8 “To the
angel of the church in Smyrna write:
These are the words of him who is the First and the Last, who died and came to life again. 9 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.10 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.
11 Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. The one who is
victorious will not be hurt at all by the second death.
After reading about what the Smyrna church faced and what
Jesus said they would face in the future, how fearless do you think you are
now?
I wouldn’t like getting a letter telling me I was going
to face even more persecution and suffering. However, it would be encouraging,
knowing Jesus saw everything I already endured, knows what I’m about to face,
and guarantees my eternal future.
Jesus reminded Smyrna (and us) that He was already
victorious over earthly suffering and death. Therefore, He can promise life
after death to His faithful followers. We do not have to be hurt by the second
death, which is eternal separation from God in Hell.
What suffering do you and I find difficult to endure for
Jesus? How can you and I be prepared to maintain joy and faithfulness through
suffering? Do Jesus’s promised rewards help encourage you? The more we know
God, love Him and understand what He’s done and will do for us, the easier it
will be to live fearlessly for Him!
