Don’t be afraid of the things which you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested; and you will have oppression for ten days. Be faithful to death, and I will give you the crown of life. Revelation 2:10 WEB

Of all the churches mentioned in Revelation, Smyrna is the only one that is not reproved for a specific flaw. In other words, they were following Christ most closely. However, the church suffered great persecution at the time John wrote these words. This passage predicts further suffering and persecution but promises ultimate victory and the crown of life for those who remain steadfast in the faith.

Worldly powers and spiritual powers of wickedness opposed the early Christian church. This holds true today but was particularly true back then. The Christian life is not free from trouble. Jess warns his disciples in Matthew 10:17, “But beware of men: for they will deliver you up to councils, and in their synagogues, they will scourge you. WEB”

Submit to God

Christ teaches us submission to God and reverence for him rather than living in fear of men and the circumstances of this world. Jesus says in Matthew 10:28, “And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. KJV”

The devil will do whatever he can to separate us from the love of God. Christ teaches in John 10:10, “The thief only comes to steal, kill, and destroy. I came that they may have life and may have it abundantly. WEB” God loves us, but we are also hated by spiritual powers of wickedness.

We are partakers in Christ’s suffering. Jesus says in John 15:18, “If the world hates you, you know that it has hated me before it hated you. WEB” All of these warnings serve to prepare us and help us to develop in maturity. They encourage believers to persevere in spite of spiritual adversity. In return, Jesus promises the crown of life.

Yesterday’s Devotional: A Cheeful Giver