Read Revelation 2:8-11 Have you ever suffered for the sake of your relationship with Christ? Are you willing to suffer? Have you, or are you being misunderstood? Misrepresented? Lied about or treated with prejudice? Smyrna was the church that remained faithful in their times of suffering. They refused to recant their faith in Christ. Some even died for their faith. What will you do if our nation turns more dangerously against God? What if our nation begins to pressure us to agree with their sinful laws or threatens our church that we would lose our tax status? What will you do if we are asked to compromise our obedience to God in order to pacify a special interest group? What if it becomes increasingly popular to agree with and join the evils of our day? It might even be that, “other churches are doing it, why not us”? Will we stand true? As the days get crazier and the news shows us more and more chaos, it is tempting to become fearful as to when this rioting and looting is ever going to stop. Fear and isolation can make the strongest of us weak. Christ calls us to carry our cross! He gives us the strength and power to boldly practice our faith as they did in the days of Acts! Will you be like those in the church of Smyrna and be faithful to honor our King? Remember, if you are…you will one day be given the crown of life from Jesus when the honors are given out!
