“Write this letter to the angel of the church in Smyrna. This is the message from the one who is the First and the Last, who was dead but is now alive:
‘I know about your suffering and your poverty—but you are rich! I know the blasphemy of those opposing you. They say they are Jews, but they are not, because their synagogue belongs to Satan. Don’t be afraid of what you are about to suffer. The devil will throw some of you into prison to test you. You will suffer for ten days. But if you remain faithful even when facing death, I will give you the crown of life.
‘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.'”
One of the biggest problems in the American church today is our view of suffering. Some high profile Christian leaders complain about being “persecuted” and this drives their political ambitions. They attempt to put people in power who will protect their religious rights. If someone is crying about being a martyr, it’s a clear sign that they aren’t really being one.
The Bible talks extensively about the benefits of suffering. It is spiritually important, and not just because of how it grows our character, perseverance, and maturity. There are real spiritual battles being fought and won when we deny our flesh and surrender our rights. In today’s passage we see the instructions for how to handle actual persecution: remain faithful.
Earthly power does not bring victory to Christians. The outcomes of courts or elections do not bring victory to Christians. Steady, unwavering faithfulness in the midst of suffering leads to eternal victory and the crown of life. Death on earth matters a whole lot less when God is prepared to reverse it. In fact, he goes out of his way to make the point in this passage that he was dead and is now alive. He’s overcome death before and he will maintain that victory. When we suffer on earth, whining about it is the opposite of Jesus’ example. Let’s be careful to avoid undermining the Gospel by demanding our “rights,” seeking political power, and having thin skin. Jesus never did any of those things.