Messages to the churches
Background
7 Churches in 7 cities were sent letters. These churches had a concrete belief in the Lord Jesus Christ and they had a faith that was real.
The Churches were all located in Asia minor and the order in which the letters were written was as if the messenger travelled from church to church in a geographical manner.
The 7 stars referred to signify the Angels of the7 churches
The 7 lampstands referred to churches themselves
It is amazing that as I began to refresh my memory by re reading these messages I realized how relevant it was for me personally and for us today and the churches we belong to. Jesus obviously walked amongst the churches and knew them inside out. However the churches themselves had no idea that He was doing this. He studied them closely and decided to send out a commendation and with it a warning as well. Jesus message is still applicable for today.
Let me use the words of Jesus and say”… He who has an ear let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches Revelation 2:7
Each of the letters has a similar outline and starts and ends almost the same.
This letter starts with the following:
Smyrna – Rev 2:8-11
Christ’s Identification – “And to the angel (divine messenger) of the church inSmyrna write:“These are the words of the First and the Last [absolute Deity, the Son of God] who died and came to life [again]:
Christ’s Commendation – ‘I know your suffering and your poverty (but you are rich), and how you are blasphemed and slandered by those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan [they are Jews only by blood, and do not believe and truly honor the God whom they claim to worship].
Christ’s Rebuke – There was no rebuke for Smryna
Christ’s Exhortation – Fear nothing that you are about to suffer. Be aware that the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested [in your faith], and for ten days you will have tribulation. Be faithful to the point of death [if you must die for your faith], and I will give you the crown [consisting] of life.
Christ’s encouragement – He who has an ear, let him hear and heed what the Spirit says to the churches. He who overcomes [the world through believing that Jesus is the Son of God] will not be hurt by the second death (the lake of fire).’
They were a people of learning with science and medicine being the main things they flourished in. Smyrna was pandering to the Romans when they saw how fast they were rising to take over the world. The built a temple for the emperor Tiberius showing their allegiance to the Romans. Because of this the Smryna became a city for cultish religion and worship for the emperor this proved to be dangerous for the Christians living there. Whatever the emperors liked the people of Smryna liked whatever the Emperor disliked the people disliked so when Nero hated the Christians the city did the same and persecuting the Christians was a priority for them. Jobs, food, goods were refused to them even though Smryna was a rich city thriving in every sense the Christians were forced to live in poverty and suffering. In this city some of the Jews perhaps pointed out the Christian population to the Romans so they could be marked and persecuted this is why perhaps Jesus referred to the Jews synagogue being of satan.
Smryna meant Myrrh from this city of persecution arose a fragrant incense of great sacrifice from the faithful persecuted believers who suffered for the Lord. In this city was appointed a bishop called Polycarp and he was trained under Apostle John and he served even after John had departed. When he was persecuted and tied to the stake to be burned he refused to renounce his faith in Jesus. The proconsul promised a release if he reproached Christ, however Polycarp assured that he would not do it. He served the Lord faithfully amidst persecution for 86 years.
Just yesterday I received numerous text message about Churches being persecuted in Ingiriya and we started to pray. Now I think it’s one thing to be persecuted for our FAITH and another for your stupidity and foolishness. Be careful not to get caught in the latter. The church in Smyrna was considered by Jesus as one that was really being persecuted. How would the Lord see you today are you being really persecuted or are you being persecuted for your foolishness? Put right the reasons for your persecution and submit to the Lord and pray.
