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Posts Tagged ‘Smyrna’

Red Letter Wisdom-Be Faithful

October 30th, 2019 No comments

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Wisdom from the Red Letters is found in Revelation 2:8.

Jesus had a message for the church at Smyrna:

“These are the words of him who is the First and the Last, who died and came to life again. I know your afflictions and your poverty-yet you are rich!” 

This church faced adversity in the form of poverty and persecution. Yet, Jesus noticed the richness of their spiritual condition.  

Some of His words may not seem very comforting. He told the church that the devil would put some in prison and that they would suffer persecution. But Jesus was allowing them to identify with His sufferings along with His victory. He said, “Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life.” 

When we stand for a noble cause worth dying for, we have meaningful purpose for living.

The words of Jesus inspire us to overcome adversity with faithfulness in the Year of Redemption.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

Encounter With Jesus-Smyrna

November 11th, 2015 No comments

JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of Connection, today’s Encounter with Jesus examines His letter to the church at Smyrna.

In Revelation 2:9, His main message to this church is to commend them for their faithful witness. He says, “I know your afflictions and your poverty-yet you are rich.” “Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer.” “Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life.”

The witness of this church reveals that followers of Christ will, at times, face persecution for our faith.

Polycarp was the bishop at Smyrna, and when he was 86 years of age, he was pressured to acknowledge Caesar as Lord. But Polycarp would not bow to the pressure. He said, “Eighty-six years I have served Christ, and He never did me any wrong. How can I blaspheme my King who saved me?” As a result of his stand for Jesus, Polycarp became a martyr for the faith.

A daily connection with Christ inspires faith and courage for times of testing.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com