Two things ran through my head this morning as I read the Scripture about the church at Smyrna (Rev. 2:8-11).
One, around here we have a saying, “It’s all good.” Very seldom do you read or meet someone who either has nothing negative to say about another person or whom nothing negative is said about him/her. We tend to think there has to be a flaw somewhere. The church at Smyrna is one of those churches where there is nothing negative to speak of. Perfect church? There’s no such animal. But in matters which really count? Nothing. “It’s all good.”
The second item is a stab at the current idea that a follower of Jesus does not suffer. There are certain religious teachers, i.e shysters, hucksters, false teachers who teach that a follower of Christ should not suffer. To suffer is to show a lack of faith. Hmmmm. I wonder what they might say about this passage in Rev. 2:8-11- “Do not fear what you are about to suffer…Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.” In fact, previously in verse 9 Jesus says, “I know your tribulation and your poverty (but you are rich)…” Those both slam the door on the heretical health/wealth un-gospel (as I call it) of Copeland, Hinn, Osteen, et al. Tribulation (suffering) and poverty: both things they teach against.
As follower of Christ, we can and should expect suffering. The difference is when we are faithful unto death it will be well worth it. AND IT’S ALL GOOD!
“Father, Your Word says to expect suffering.* Give me the strength I need to hold up under the pressure and be faithful.”
Amen, Bill! In this world, we will have trouble, just as Jesus told us. But we don’t have to be afraid because He has overcome the world.
Blessings!
Very true Martha. Greater is He…
Father, help me to go through my struggles in life to pull even closer to you. Help me to not ask why me, or say this isn’t fair, but to ask, Father what can I learn from this. May I always keep my faith and heart aligned with You.
THAT is the type of prayer we ought to be praying Gail. there is nothing wrong with praying to be relieved of the struggle (Paul did it) but while we are in it to pray for strength to go through it. Thanks.
Amen, Gail!
Oh, me too, LORD!
We should all be praying for strength Diane. I join you.
To believe that suffering will not come on those that follow Christ is such a disconnect from reality. The Bible doesn’t teach that and actually teaches the opposite. Not that we should go looking for it or inflicting it on ourselves, but we must remember that we live in a fallen world and there are some that are antagonistic to what the Bible teaches. I think we are called to live a life of joy despite the suffering… That is a lot more difficult, but not impossible through Christ who gives us strength!
You state it well Ryan: it is a disconnect. I guess I wonder how come can buy into it and am even more amazed by those who teach that heretical stuff. As you state, we do live in a fallen world and can have joy given to us by God.