CHURCH MUST REMAIN FAITHFUL

Sir,

The church in Smyrna is the second church that Jesus addresses in Revelation 2 and there are many lessons we can draw from this church. The lessons speak to all who go through trials and temptations. Jesus introduced Himself as ‘the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive’ (Revelation 2:8). This indeed was an appropriate title for Jesus to address His faithful people in Smyrna. He is ‘the first and the last’. The one who was ‘dead and came to life’. If Jesus faced persecution, mockery, torture and death with courage, His people can face it also. The Christ who triumphed over the tomb offers us victory in the face of trials.

Jesus then acknowledged their trials by sating; “I know your afflictions and your poverty - yet you are rich! I know the slander of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan,” Revelation 2:9. After commending the church in Smyrna for their spiritual victories, Jesus warned of coming persecution: “You are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for 10 days,” Revelation 2:10. During the second and third centuries the devil viciously attacked the Christian church through persecution. One of the victims was the bishop of the church of Smyrna named Polycarp. He was a former student and disciple of Apostle John. Polycarp’s ministry and life ended in AD 155 when he was killed by the sword and his body was burned at the stake in Smyrna.

Commanded

Before his death Polycarp was marched into an amphitheatre where he was commanded to renounce Christ, but he replied: “Eighty-six years have I served Him, and He never did me any harm; how then can I blaspheme my King and Saviour?” The governor of the province shouted: “I will have you destroyed by fire unless you change your attitude.” Polycarp answered: “You threaten me with fire which burns for an hour and after a little is extinguished, but you are ignorant of the fires of the coming judgement and of eternal punishment reserved for the ungodly. But why do you delay? Bring on what you will.” The mob gathered wood and torches and cheered as the old man was led to the stake.Jesus calls the church to remain faithful in their suffering: “Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life,” Revelation 2:10. This same ‘crown’ is also mentioned in James 1:12: “Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.”

Dear reader, suffering is a universal language. Throughout the Bible, Jesus encourages His people with the expression: ‘Do not fear’. Amid our trials, He still proclaims; “Do not fear. I am with you.” He does not abandon us in difficulty. He does not forsake us when difficulties come. Tribulation does not last forever. God’s appeal to each of us is to be faithful to Him even unto death. If the Smyrna Christians could be faithful to Jesus in the midst of torture, persecution, and death, we can be faithful in the midst of our trials too. If His grace could sustain them, it can sustain us. The offer of a triumphant crown is ours as well. No challenge we will ever face is too great for God.

Bopoto Gwinyai

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