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TEXT: Revelation 2:8-11
SUBJECT: Exposition of Revelation 1-3 #3: Smyrna
Tonight brings us to the third sermon in our study of Revelation, chapters 1-3. It was written, you should recall, to reveal Jesus Christ in the events of the day. Believers (then as now) need a Savior near-by. And we have One. For, though Christ is now in heaven, He has not left us alone. He still "walks among the lampstands" and "holds the seven stars in His right hand". Thus, the Lord's people are not abandoned. Never have been; never will be. This is always good to know. But especially in times of trouble.
"I need Thee every hour;
Stay Thou near by,
Temptations lose their pow'r
When Thou art nigh".
This brings us to the Church at Smyrna. Smyrna was a large and beautiful city, about forty miles north of Ephesus. It prided itself on being "The First City of Asia" and Rome's most loyal ally. Most of its people, of course, were Pagan. But an influential Jewish community was there, too. The church, it seems, was founded by Paul on his second missionary journey, c.55 A.D. Thus, it was comparatively new, no more than 12-14 years old. But its people matured quickly. They had to.
The letter begins with Christ introducing Himself, v.8, "These things says the First and the Last". This title carries with it the idea of "fulness". He is no ordinary man, limited to time and space. He fills both to overflow. There was never a time in which He "was not"; nor will there ever be a time when He is "no more". For Christ is eternal. "The same was in the beginning with God" says John in another place. Hebrews 7:16 reminds us of His "endless life". He is also unenclosed by space. For Paul says that "He fills all things". Thus, when He calls Himself, "The First and the Last", Jesus is identifying Himself as the "I AM" of Scripture; "very God of very God" as the old creed puts it.
He then adds a second title, "Who was dead and came to life". This reminds us that the Eternal God humbled Himself to become a man, to the point of dying. His death, however, was not final, for God raised Him from the dead. This brings to mind His sympathy. He can feel for these suffering Christians, because, He too, suffered.
He is, therefore, the compassionate and almighty Lord. The Smyrnaens would need both. So do we.
"Majestic sweetness sits enthroned".
Having introduced Himself, Christ makes an assessment of the Church, v.9: "I know your works, tribulation, and poverty (but you are rich); and I know the blasphemy of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan".
1.Their "works" have born little fruit. They have few members, less money, and no influence in the city. But Christ has recognized their efforts. And praised them. He judges success in terms of faithfulness, not "results".
2.He has also taken notice of their "tribulation". The word literally means "pressure". Trouble is crowding them on all sides; it is as though the walls are closing in, threatening to crush them at any moment. The source of the "tribulation" is not given. Thus, it is proper to look in every direction. Families disowned their believing children; old friendships were dissolved; places in society were lost; they became subject to arrest, and would soon be thrown to the lions. They felt all alone--but were not. For Jesus "knows their tribulation".
3.Their "poverty" has not been overlooked, either. Craftsmen were put out of the union; teachers were expelled from the academy; bureaucrats were removed from office; attorneys were disbarred; wives were divorced and children were abandoned. For idolatry had wormed its way into every aspect of life. When a man gave up his idols, he became a social outcast. Abandoned by everyone, he was--everyone but Christ. For He saw their poverty as making them "rich".
4.Christ had heard "the blasphemy" leveled against them, too. This word, often aimed at God, literally means "hurtful speech". It includes gossip, slander, cursing, and so on. It came from the Jews of that city who poisoned the mind of the people and influenced the government to take action against them. We read of this occurring in Ephesus, Thessalonica, Berea, Lystra, and other cities. It took place in Smyrna as well. False accusations hurt, perhaps, more than anything else. Especially when everyone believes them. But Christ did not believe them. He "knew the blasphemy of those who called themselves Jews but were not". He counted them, rather, of "the Synagogue of Satan".
The Lord has now assessed His church. And found it to His liking. He approves them. "Well done, you good and faithful servants".
His approval is what every church should strive for. Not numbers; not money; not influence; not respect. In the end, nothing matters but the approval of Jesus Christ.
Are we seeking it?
Next is an encouragement, v.10: "Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life".
This is an odd "encouragement", isn't it? For it does not promise any quick relief. To the contrary, it offers more and worse suffering. The Jews are going to continue their slander. The pagans will step up their persecution. Some of them will soon be jailed. Others will be slain. Their faith will be "tried" to the breaking point.
Yet Christ urges them: "Do not fear any of those things".
Why not? Satan is behind the persecution. But it is not he--but Christ--who is "the First and the Last, who was dead and came to life". In other words, Satan is under the strict control of our Savior. Notice, He limits the devil's activity: "You will have tribulation ten days". Not "eleven". But only so much as Christ decrees. Moreover, Christ uses the evil to bring about good in this life. Their suffering is only a "test"--one they are sure to pass. The worst Satan can do is kill a Christian, but how does this hurt him? It rather "crowns" him with "life".
These are mighty promises to be sure. But remember the One making them. "The First and the Last, who was dead and came to life". Does Satan have all power? He does not. He could kill the Son of God, but not hold Him in death. Indeed, the very death he inflicted on Christ brought nothing but eternal life.
The same will be true of us. Do not fear persecution for Christ's sake. "If you suffer with Him, you will also reign together with Him".
Finally, comes the general application. This letter was written to one church, but applies to all. When harassed for Christ sake; when misunderstood; when ignored and rejected; when imprisoned and killed, keep this in mind: "He who overcomes shall not be hurt by the second death".
Therefore, "Do not fear them who can kill the body but cannot kill the soul; but rather, fear Him who can destroy body and soul in hell". Or, better yet, remember: "The LORD is on my side, I will not fear. What can man do to me?"
"He who has ears to hear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches".
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