Church of Smyrna

When John writes about the Church of Smyrna, my Bible titles it as the 'Persecuted Church.'

In America, I'm not sure this letter is written to us . . . yet. But we have Christian brothers and sisters throughout the world who are living as the Persecuted Church.

Although our news media steers clear of reporting these atrocities, one can check out websites like "Global Christian Relief" to read stories about modern day Christians whose lives are threatened because they believe in Jesus Christ. They believe in His life, death and resurrection.

I wonder if Revelation 2: 8-11 would encourage these Christians today.

Through John's writings, Jesus commends them with these acknowledgements:

• Though you have afflictions and poverty-you are rich!

• God knows about the slander of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan. He knows and sees you!

• Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer-for some will suffer persecution for ten days. He will NEVER leave you or forsake you! (Hebrews 13:5)

In my research this week, I found that the word Symrna in Greek is a varient of the word myrrha, or myrrh, the valuable spice that comes from the Commiphora Myrrha tree. It is interesting that in order to release the fragrance from myrhh, the tree must be wounded so that the sap will "bleed" out. That sap then has to be crushed, or burned in order to release its sweet, fragrant aroma.

Just as Jesus was wounded for our transgression, crushed for our iniquities , the chastisement for our peace was upon Him. By His stripes we are healed.

A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not quench. Isaiah 42:3

You see, the Church of Smyrna knows this. They believe in Jesus, the resurrected Savior of the world so much that they are willing to endure persecution. They are willing to be crushed so that in the crushing a sweet fragrance will pour out before them, reaching the heavenly throne of Jesus!

To THIS church, the Persecuted one, that remains faithful, that lives in poverty but is truly rich, Jesus sends His promise. These ones will not be hurt by the second death.

"Anyone who is willing to hear should listen to the Spirit and understand what the Spirit is saying to the churches. Whoever is victorious will not be hurt by the second death." Revelation 2:11

Dear Jesus, we pray for those who are living under persecution for their faith in you. We lift them up before You and ask You to meet them in their needs. Encourage them in their faith. Grow them in your power. Honor them in their sacrifices. May their endurance rise up to you as a sweet, sweet fragrance, holy and undefiled. Thank you for your faithfulness to those who put their trust in You. Jesus, we pray in your mighty name, these requests. Help us, too, when we suffer for speaking truth. Amen.