Smyrna- Revelation 2:8-11

Revelation 2:8-11 ESV
To the Church in Smyrna
“And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write:‘The words of the first and the last, who died and came to life.
“‘I know your tribulation and your poverty ( but you are rich) and the slander of those who say that they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and for ten days you will have tribulation. Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. The one who conquers will not be hurt by the second death. ’

The Lord of the Resurrection now speaks to Smyrna, a people rich with the treasures of heaven which are made possible by the grace of Christ.

It is this true congregation that finds itself persecuted by Satan. The source of the attack is mentioned twice in this passage: Satan and the devil, for they are one. The purpose is for these believers to be tested. Satan is not testing us, instead he seeks to keep or return us to the dominion of death, his house. God uses Satan to refine and prepare a people to follow after His Son, to become sons and brethren of the Most Holy God.

Ten days is symbolic of a specified and a finite amount of time. The number ten represents fullness and a completion. We are reminded that God is in control and He has a plan. In the end we shall see that it was a good plan.

Christ urges this church to not be afraid and remain faithful. We all must die, for this is the door that leads to life. Love overcomes fear, just as it has overcome death. Those that die to self will find the life of Christ. The crown of life symbolizes the saint's victory over death. Dying to self means living in God. Our bodies will fade and pass back into the dust of the earth, but we will continue to live and more abundantly. There is a second and final death which believers will not experience. This is reserved for the dead, not the living. Not believing and serving the living God is choosing to participate in the final death. The earth and sea will give up the dead and they will stand before the throne of judgement.

We go to be with Him when we leave this mortal body. Notice that the Him we will reign with is God and Christ, for they are one. This is the time before His return, the thousand years we sit with Him on His throne, for we are the body of Christ. Satan is unable to deceive the believer, the one sealed with and in the Spirit because He is the Spirit of truth. Satan is bound by the same truth that frees the sinner.

Revelation 20:6
Blessed and holy is the one who shares in the first resurrection! Over such the second death has no power, but they will be priests of God and of Christ, and they will reign with him for a thousand years.