Comfort for the Suffering
I ended my week as I began it; a day without scheduled appointments. That provided me an opportunity to work on editing my book and some other projects. I did get to the fitness center for a late afternoon workout. Next week the schedule will be pretty full, so it was good to have this type of day.
BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “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 for ten days. But be faithful, even if you have to die, and I will give you the crown of life.” Revelation 2:10 NCV
In the letters to the churches, the Church of Smyrna stands out as the exception. The words to this church do not contain the condemnation of any action or attitude. Smyrna is the persecuted church. Those facing suffering for the cause of Christ need hope and encouragement and that is what we see in Christ’s words.
We see hope offered because of who Christ is. Christ addresses these saints as, “The One who is the First and the Last, who died and came to life again…” (Rev. 2:8 NCV) These words come from the “highest” authority. Christ reminds those in Smyrna not only of his eternal nature, but also of His identification with their suffering and the one who has experienced resurrection. In Christ, they have the example of one who was faithful, endured and was raised to life.
These saints are known by Christ. He says, “I know your troubles and that you are poor, but really you are rich! …” (Rev. 2:9 NCV) The Lord allows these suffering saints to know that He is aware of what they are facing. He also knows what others don’t. To people they were “poor” but in Christ’s eyes they were “rich.”
Christ was aware of their suffering past, present and future. Jesus told his followers, “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.” (Matt. 5:11 NIV) He also warned them, “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first.“ (John 15:18 NIV)
The Lord warns them to be prepared for what is coming, “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 for ten days.” (Rev. 2:10 NCV) They had suffered and were to be prepared for more, but their time of suffering would one day come to an end. It would be limited.
A reward was waiting for those who endure. “….But be faithful, even if you have to die, and I will give you the crown of life. “Everyone who has ears should listen to what the Spirit says to the churches. Those who win the victory will not be hurt by the second death.” (Rev. 2:10,11 NCV)
Those who suffer are encouraged and reminded to “be faithful.” There is a reward for the faithful. Even in the ultimate display of faithfulness, “being faithful unto death”, there is the promise of something better. Someone once observed, “You can’t kill a Christian, you can only change his address.”
Victory is determined by those who are “standing when the battle is over.” The final judgment people will face is at “The Great White Throne” judgment. (Rev. 22) Those who have died are raised to life to account for their deeds. Those whose names are not found in the Book of Life are cast into a lake of fire. The Lord gives the assurance to these suffering and faithful followers that this is not an event they need to be concerned about. They instead will find themselves “ruling and reigning with Christ.” (Rev. 20:4-6)
These words of Christ to this suffering church are a good model for us in responding to those who suffer. They don’t need correction or condemnation. Instead they need hope and encouragement. They need to know the Lord is with them, the He understands and the He will see them through as they are faithful in all that they are facing and will face.