This poem is dedicated
to Revelation 2:8-11. The Son of Man said to John, “Write this letter to the angel of the church in Smyrna.” I have to admit, every time I read that Jesus directed his message to the ANGEL of a church, I get a little bit distracted trying to understand that concept before moving on. My thoughts wander, and then I wonder, is Jesus addressing a ministering spirit - a sent messenger of God, or is He referring to a man - a leader of the church, or a regional group, the church as a whole? If the meaning is literal, then the text means “a sent messenger of God.” I guess it is possible that a person could hear the voice of God and be sent to carry out God’s purpose and plan. Could the human be addressed as an angel of the church? I don’t know. What do you say? Anyway, let’s move on. The Son of Man continued and said, “This is the message from the one who is the First and the Last, who was dead but is now alive:” It is obvious that Jesus is referencing himself as the One and Only Son of God. Jesus said to the members of the Smyrnan church, “I know about your suffering and your poverty - but you are rich!” We can see that the The Lord sees with Kingdom eyes, not the eyes of a fallen man - because a sinning man would say you are not blessed if you are living in suffering and in poverty. “I know the blasphemy of those opposing you. They say they are Jews, but they are not, because their synagogue belongs to Satan.” It’s the same blasphemy that we see today. Many say they are Christian, but they are not, because their church belongs to Satan. Let's face it. God demands a strong foundation. A plumb line faith based on His beloved Son, the cornerstone that His Church is built upon. But many Christians build their homes on sinking sand. It’s important to remember that God does not care about our fancy garments. In fact, he says, “you can take them all off - I have x-Ray vision and I can see your naked heart and I know what is in it.” “So rend your hearts and not your garments, and return to the LORD” God is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger. He abounds in loving devotion, and He relents from sending disaster.” Joel 2:13 Jesus encouraged the angel of the church in Smyrna with these words - He said, “Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. The devil will throw some of you into prison to test you.” Jesus warned the angel of Smyrna that they would be persecuted, wrongly accused and slandered. Then He told them they would suffer for ten days. I wonder, is that an exact number, or is it an approximation? Does ten represent the tithe, a way of graciously giving back the free gift that we have received? Is this what it means to be a martyr? Then in verse 10, Jesus said, "But if you remain faithful even when facing death, I will give you the crown of life.” This must be why James said, “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.” James 1:12 Then Jesus said, “Anyone with ears to hear must listen to the Spirit and understand what he is saying to the churches. Whoever is victorious will not be harmed by the second death.” Overcoming the temporal death has always been God’s redemption plan. God came down in human form, and in Spirit and Jesus took conquered death for all God's children. “There is therefore no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” Romans 8:1
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
Archives
April 2022
|