As my one-year anniversary here at New Sharon approaches, I’ve been really pondering our purpose as a church. What’s our true identity? And where are we headed? Looking at the early churches in Revelation helps us reset.
Last week, we discussed Ephesus, a powerful city whose church lost its “first love“—that initial, burning passion for Jesus. Their call was to remember, repent, and return to those first actions.
This week, we turn to Smyrna, a church that received only praise from Jesus! Smyrna was a wealthy port city, but its believers faced intense tribulation and poverty for their faith. They were slandered and had their possessions stolen because they wouldn’t deny Christ. Yet, Jesus called them “rich.”
To these suffering believers, Jesus gave two powerful commands: “Do not fear what you are about to suffer” and “Be faithful unto death.”
Fear, simply put, is the feeling of God’s absence. When our faith falters, fear creeps in. But God reminds us 365 times in the Bible not to fear, because He is with us every single day. Suffering is temporary; blessings await.
“Be faithful unto death” means never giving up. The Apostle Paul, despite immense hardships, feared one thing most: giving up halfway. He fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith, earning the “crown of righteousness.”
Consider Polycarp, the bishop of Smyrna. Faced with death if he denied Christ, he declared, “I have served my Lord Jesus Christ for eighty-six years, and He has never once denied me. How then can I deny my King?” He chose unwavering loyalty to Christ, even unto martyrdom.
New Sharon, are we Christians who cling to our faith no matter what? Or do we easily discard it for convenience, personal desires, or benefits? Today, most of us abandon faith not due to persecution, but everyday temptations.
To those who remain faithful unto death, Jesus promises two incredible things: the crown of life (victory over death, a vibrant life here) and that you will not be hurt by the second death (eternal life in heaven).
Let’s take Jesus’ message to Smyrna as a direct message for us. My prayer is that until our very last breath, we uphold our unwavering faith, receive the crown of life, and together enter His everlasting kingdom!
