Title [Rev 2:8-11] Smyrna Church
Among the seven churches in the early Asia Minor region, two churches were not rebuked, and one of them was the Smyrna Church. This church in Smyrna was famous for the martyrdom along with the martyrdom of the first bishop, Polycarp, and at the same time, it can be said that it was a church that was very rich spiritually. Now, while examining this Smyrna church, let us all think deeply about what kind of church we should dream of in this age and become all of us who have a vision.
1. The appearance of the Lord in Smyrna Church
“The first and the last, the one who died and rose again,” he said. It has two meanings. The first is the Lord of eternal life, and the second is the Lord of the resurrection. It appeared in a form suitable for the members of the Church of Smyrna who were facing martyrdom. It is the promise that the Lord of the resurrection, the main source of eternal life, guarantees the resurrection and eternal life to all the saints who will die while believing in and serving the Lord. As long as we have the assurance of the resurrection and the assurance of eternal life, we can be willing to believe in the Lord and be martyred. But in reality, we do not have such certainty, so it is very unfortunate. I hope that once again there will be a blessed work that comes before us as the main Lord of eternal life in the resurrection.
2. The Lord Knows the Saints of Smyrna Church
The Lord is omniscient. He knows all the circumstances of the saints. In the text, some things the Lord knew are recorded.
① He knows their tribulation and need. Sincere Christians are destined to have tribulation in the world. Even today, if we make a reasonable compromise with those who practice injustice or lawlessness, there will be no trouble. But there is great tribulation for those who want to keep their faith and stand firm on the truth. But it is a great comfort to know that the Lord knows all of those tribulations.
The members of the Smyrna Church also suffered many afflictions to keep their faith. In particular, their tribulation led to poverty. Smyrna was a prosperous city. However, those who attend the church have been exploited for their wealth. Because the persecutors confiscated their property. Naturally, there was poverty. The Lord knew all about their tribulation and need. Then, he enlightened me and comforted me. “The truth is, you are rich,” he said. They were physically poor, but spiritually rich. Among the church members, there are those who are physically poor but spiritually rich, and there are those who are physically rich but spiritually needy. Let's check where we belong. Let's keep in mind that those who are spiritually rich are more blessed even though they may be physically poor. I want you to think deeply about what the Lord said, “You are really rich.”
② He said he knew the blasphemy of self-proclaimed Jews. They persecuted Christians who believed and served God in the name of God. The Lord called them “the synagogue of Satan.” Those who say they believe in God and hinder the work of the Lord are Satan. Peter, too, was rebuked by the Lord as Satan. Because you have disturbed the work of the Lord. Let us never blaspheme the Lord's work, and let us never become troublemakers for those who live by faith.
3. The Lord's Counsel to Be Loyal to Death
These are words of encouragement to follow the bishop Polycarp and keep the faith until the end and be faithful. The devil will persecute you for a while (for 10 days), but if you remain faithful to the end, you will avoid the second death, which is spiritual death (hell), and wear the crown of life. No one can avoid the first death (physical death). But the second death can be avoided by faith. Let's become all the saints who are faithful to death and receive the crown of life. Let's become our church with only praise, consolation, and encouragement like the church in Smyrna.