Expect To Be Tested!
"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."
Revelation 2: 10
The city of Smyrna was on the west coast
of
Asia minor. It was a beautiful, sophisticated
city, loyal to Rome and the emperor.
The leaders of Smyrna petitioned Rome to build a
temple to honor the deity-status of
Emperor Tiberius—
permission which was granted. Smyrna had a “crown
of porticos,” a collection of beautiful public buildings
encircling Mount Pagos like a crown.
The emperor-worshiping Roman population, along with a
hostile Jewish community, made
life as a Christian difficult
in Smyrna. But Christ told the church in Smyrna they would
receive a “crown of life” when they persevere through their
persecution—in contrast to the pagan “crown of porticos”
of Smyrna.
Paul reminded the churches in
Asia Minor
that entrance to the Kingdom would only
be through tribulations (Acts 14:22).
Entrust troubles you are currently experiencing
to Jesus, the One who knows what you are going
through for His sake.
"Persecution...is one of the
marks of a converted man."
J. C. Ryle
