His Protection

Cover Me
Mark Naea and
Lavina Williams

By – Youtubeaholic

“’And to the angel of the church of Smyrna write:  ‘The first and the last, who was dead, and has come to life, says this:  ‘I know your tribulation and your poverty (but you are rich), and the blasphemy by those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan.   

“’Do not fear what you are about to suffer.  Behold, the devil is about to cast some of you into prison, so that you will be tested, and you will have tribulation for ten days. 

“’Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.  He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.  He who overcomes will not be hurt by the second death.’” Revelation 2:8-11

Persecution of believers has always been inevitable – even today.  This passage, written to the church is Smyrna is the only one of the seven churches mentioned that holds no rebuke -- only encouragement for what is to come for however long it may occur.

Although the church at Smyrna suffered heavy persecution at the hands of Rome during this time, they stood firm and trusted in the hope of Christ and His power over death. 

John’s vision stands for us today to encourage us to ‘Fear not!’ (Romans 8:38-39) during troubling times for the crown of life (James 1:21) awaits us.  The condition?  That we are faithful until death.