“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 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. Revelation 2:8-10a (See Revelation 2:8-11)
As Jesus addresses the seven churches in Asia Minor, He immediately identifies Himself to each church. These churches existed in John’s day at the end of the first century a.d. and they would each face individual trials. It seems that as Christ identifies Himself, He mentions a particular aspect of His character that would be particularly poignant to each individual church. To Smyrna, He identifies Himself as the one who “is the First and the Last, who died and came to life again.”
The church at Smyrna wouldn’t be considered, by many today, as one of the great, foremost churches. It was a persecuted church that Jesus loved. Jesus, who is “the first and the last” and the the one “who died and came to life again,” would be with them through their difficulties. To say that He was the “first and the last” may mean that He is the eternal one. To say that He “died and came back to life” is to say that He conquered death. He is the victor over death. Such a view of Christ would inspire them to see beyond their immediate trials. Some would ultimately sacrifice their lives for Jesus Christ. Their steadfast commitment would be strengthened by the One Who experienced torture and death and yet rose victorious.
There are many in this world today who will be persecuted or perhaps give their life for the cause of Christ. Stop and pray for them. There are those who face conflicts that those of us in the free world will never face nor comprehend. Pray that Christ will be real to these fellow believers. Pray that they will stand fast in the face of persecution. Christ hasn’t abandoned them. He is in their very midst and He has called them to witness for him with sacrificing their lives and loved ones.
Hebrews 13:3 Remember those in prison as if you were their fellow prisoners, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering.
He has called all of us to witness for Him with our lives. He is with us. Yes, He’s even in the midst of the churches that don’t face religious persecution. How should we witness for His greatness? We are to LIVE FOR HIM. Others will see His difference in us. How about you? For Whom are you living?
and He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again. 2 Corinthians 5:1
Christ has told us, “Lo, I am with you always” (see Matthew 28:18-20) He has given us the ability to witness for Him by death, or by life. He is in our midst.
