Smyrna

Revelation 2:8-11 (ESV Strong's)

To the Church in Smyrna

8 “And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write: ‘The words of the first and the last, who died and came to life.

9 “‘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. 10 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. 11 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.’

“Rosh Hashanah is the Jewish New Year, which marks the beginning of a 10-day period of reflection and repentance followed by celebration (also known as the Days of Awe).”

The ten day period reflects a time of testing which bears the fruit of reflection and repentance. This is part of our wilderness journey leading to our sanctification and transformation. It is true of everyone who follows Christ in wonder and awe. 

When Christ says He is “the first and last”, its meaning is rich with insights in knowing the Lord. One of which is that He is the first man to die and come back to life, but life which is transformed into the final and exact image of God manifest in creation. 

Our transformation into His image is His last and ongoing work of creation. His work that enables us was finished on the cross. It becomes the tree of life in the wilderness of the world. When we choose the fruit of this tree, we are transferred into the kingdom of heaven which is fellowship with God.