Revelation 2:10
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.
Looking at this one verse of the letter to the church in Smyrna.
This church is called the persecuted church.
Jesus lets them know that He is aware of the persecution.
That they will have trials and have their faith tested.
And the Lord says to be faithful, even to the point of dying.
Then they will receive the crown of life.
This crown is the victor's crown or wreath, like they awarded in the ancient athletic games.
And this life, is the eternal life with God.
That is what Jesus is promising.
Now take this out of history and apply this to us, the church today.
We see the persecution coming for Christians.
It's already here in some ways.
A woman in the U.K. was arrested for silent, public prayer.
How long until that happens here in the U.S.?
Be aware, the dehumanizing terms are in use in the media.
"Christian Nationalists" we are called, like it is evil to believe in Christ and love our country.
"Christian Conservatives" spoken derisively, as if having Godly morals is wrong.
The vilification of truly following the Bible and the Lord has begun.
Persecution is on its way.
But know this.
No matter what happens here in this life.
Whether they take our freedoms or our very lives, the Lord is with us.
And if we remain faithful, we will receive the victor's crown of life that Jesus has promised.
They cannot take away what God has given us in Christ.
No one can take the eternal life we have found in Jesus, our Lord and Savior.
So, as Jesus begins that verse, "Do not fear any of those things."
Do not be afraid, if we are with God, then He is with us.
John 10:27-30
27 My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.
28 And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand.
29 My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father’s hand.
30 I and My Father are one.”
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