February 10, 2023

“I know your works, tribulation, and poverty (but you are rich); and I know the blasphemy of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan.” Revelation 2:9

Jesus intimately knows every struggle and triumph in your life. His message to the early church at Smyrna was—and is—a greatly needed encouragement. The church in Smyrna was very much poverty-stricken, as part of the persecution they were suffering. So why does Jesus tell them they are rich? It is because they held dear the truths of the word of God above all else. Their love for His Son was foremost. Yes, they were truly rich. Only love for Him could keep them faithful through unimaginable trials. Their faithfulness brought horrendous persecution under pagan Rome.

A history snippet: Roman gods (like Greek gods) were capricious, unpredictable, and were credited with the worst of human characteristics: full of rage and violence, they were seething egomaniacs. When unrest developed in the empire, it was widely assumed that the gods were angry due to not being properly worshipped. Naturally, anyone faithful to Jesus qualified as a cause of the trouble.

The letters from Jesus to the seven churches (chapters 2 & 3) were directly applicable to the early churches that were situated in Asia Minor. An interesting practical detail is that they are listed in the order of the mail circuit of those cities. Amazingly, there is also a prophetic application, as the messages, in the order they are given, apply to the New Testament Church as it has progressed through ups and downs over the last two thousand years. The struggles described may also apply to the life of a single church as it moves through its course. And, by all means, it can apply to an individual person in his or her relationship with the Lord while walking through this fallen world, which is certainly a veritable minefield of tests, traps, temptations, and snares. It is a good practice to read and study these seven letters regularly.

Beloved, as you face life in this broken world, hold on to your riches! Nothing here compares to your relationship with Jesus. For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us. (2 Corinthians 1:20) Yes, Jesus knows! This fact should bring comfort and encouragement. He also knows “the blasphemy of those who say they are Jews and are not…” To be a Jew should have had a positive connotation. The church originally consisted of faithful Jews who followed the Lord Jesus in His mission of bringing the gospel to the world in its entirety. Their faithfulness to Jesus brought a division from those who refused to acknowledge the long-awaited Messiah. Yes, the true message of Jesus is divisive! (see Micah 7:6, Matthew 10:34-37, Luke 14:24-27) His prayer for unity applies only to those who walk in the truth (John 17:16-23).

And will not the physically uncircumcised, if he fulfills the law, judge you who, even with your written code and circumcision, are a transgressor of the law? For he is not a Jew who is one outwardly, nor is circumcision that which is outward in the flesh; but he is a Jew who  is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the Spirit, not in the letter; whose praise is not from men but from God. Romans 2:27-29