To the church in Smyrna

I know, the afflictions you go through

Your poverty.

I know the slander.

You suffer - but do not be afraid.

Be faithful. Even to the point of death.

Sufferings come as a part of your commitment to Christ. It is an inheritance. Be it afflictions or slander that comes from people side. Or be it the sufferings that you would face because you belong to Christ from the world side. This wholly happens because the system is now against you.

Each one will have his own. For others these sufferings could be graded. It could be big for someone, small for the other. But as you go through your suffering, it is huge for you. For you it is the biggest threat, for the enemy strikes at your core.

There might not be anyone who understands. The enormousness of what you have to bear, He understands. Because He knows. Because He loves. Because He cares.

Now He tells.

Be faithful, even to the point of death and I will give you the crown of life.

Rev:2:10

And.

He who overcomes will not be hurt at all by the second death.

Rev:2:11

There are two deaths.

The first death is physical. The second death is that of the soul - the judgement. Those who are in Christ Jesus will not be condemned. Rom:8:1. But those who reject Him will be rejected.

None of us can escape the first death, except may be Enoch and Elijah as documented. But the second death can be averted, if you persevere. If you overcome, not by your strength. By clinging on to the One who overcame death itself(v:8).

Because He was the solution for the problem. The problem of death-sin cycle was broken by the sinless Lamb of God.

He was hurt so that you wouldn't be hurt.

Image credit: gemini

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