April 4: THE WEIGHT OF SUFFERING
“Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.” Revelation 2:10
LIFE! The Lord of Life wants us to know that life as He intends for you is good, good, and very good (Genesis 1). To merely exist is not truly living. But to be alive and “crowned” with the joy of the Lord (Nehemiah 8:10) is the Plan. Right now, and until death or the Lord’s return, you can choose to be in close, daily communication with Him who has made the promise: “I will give you the crown of life.” This is a conditional prophecy that is trustworthy, for He has the power to aid you in your walk of faith—especially during testing and tribulation. Therefore, beloved, be faithful.
The number ten is often associated with testing. It brings to mind the Ten Commandments, that perfect standard known as the law of liberty from the One who can make each of us free indeed (John 8:36). So speak and so do as those who will be judged by the law of liberty. (James 2:12)
We have all fallen short of the perfect standard, but that doesn’t mean that the standard is in any way to be lowered or put aside. We are to come into alignment with the One who died in our place, for He is the lawgiver and judge. For heavenly citizenship, we must allow Him to write it (see Jeremiah 31:33 and Hebrews 10:16) upon our minds and hearts. The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul. (Psalm 19:7a)
Ten days is a phrase that was sometimes used to express “a short time” or “for only a moment” by comparison to eternity. But in the prophetic context, ten days would also be understood as ten literal years.* Indeed there was a period of persecution that was extremely acute under the Roman Emperor Diocletian that ran from AD303 to 313. It was a strategy of the devil that was calculated to totally eradicate Christianity. The Edict of Milan issued by Constantine in 313 brought relief to a great degree. But, as we will soon see, this solution ushered in another kind of destruction: it became the very vehicle that transported spiritually deadly compromise directly into the church.
The intense tribulation experienced by the church in Smyrna brought great fear and stress into the lives of these believers. It is only natural that they were under great tension and strain. But Jesus did not want that to be the heaviest weight of focus in their lives or in ours. His command, “Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer” was expressed in language that meant “Stop fearing!” What is the best way to bring terrorizing fear to a halt? By looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising (not giving weight to) the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. (Hebrews 12:2) Beloved, whatever any of us are about to suffer pales in comparison to the glory that is just ahead...
For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory. 2 Corinthians 4:17
*day for a year principle: Numbers 14:34, Ezekiel 4:6, Luke 13:32