Feeding the Lambs - Persecution
Written by the Apostle John, 1st century
Revelation 2:9
[38th message of the New Believer Series]
We will continue on with the messages given to seven different churches mentioned in the Book of Revelation (as revealed to and written by the Apostle John).
In the excerpt above, John is writing what the Lord wanted to tell the believers belonging to the first church in Smyrna (another first century church, in a place then known as Asia Minor, now in modern day Turkey).
Back in those days this ancient city boasts of a thriving port, trade and business and with all the trimmings of a rich and vibrant city. Today, one may liken it to a city such as Los Angeles, home to an important trading port and a lot of rich people.
Compliment
The excerpt above is the first part of this three part short message. In this portion, the Lord acknowledged that He knew of their trials in Smyrna -- they were poor even though they were rich. Will make one to think about what this means.
And it also implies that they were being persecuted by Jews who were living in that city, slanderous words, rumors, false accusations among other things.
Warning
The second part of this message is a warning, a prophecy and a call to this church and it goes like this:
"Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Look, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison to test you, and you will suffer tribulation for ten days. Be faithful even unto death, and I will give you the crown of life."
Like in the other churches back in those days (such as in the city of Pergamum, as we read from the previous message), the persecution of the church and those who profess to be followers of Christ were common.
And you wouldn't think about the same thing happening today, but it still is and in many areas all around the world. (Christ already foretold these and many other things to happen after He went away).
He Who Has Ears
And like all the other messages directed towards the other churches, this message again ends with:
"He (or she) who has an ear, let him (her) hear what the Spirit says to the churches."
And followed by these final words:
"The one who overcomes will not be harmed by the second death."
New Terminologies
Like in the previous messages, this one also has a new word. As we have already mentioned, reading the last book of the bible will need more study time.
Second death? This term can also be seen in a few other passages in the Book of Revelation (Rev 20:6, Rev 20:14, Rev 21:8).
It would be wise to read up on those other references. But to save time, the second death mostly refers to the death that will happen in that place where lost souls end up after they die and leave this world.
There will be a second death in that place. There will be a "lake of fire" where those who have rejected the gospel of Christ will end up in.
I pray that you who are reading (hearing) this message will not experience that second death but instead receive new life and an everlasting life with God, our Creator. This I pray in the name of Jesus of Nazareth.
If you aren't sure of your eternal destination, go through the messages in the Series Links or check on the Rebirth Series.
Smyrna
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