Message to the Church in Smyrna
And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things saith
The First and The Last, which was dead, and is alive;
I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich)
and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are
the synagogue of Satan.
Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil
shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have
tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown
of life.
He that hath an ear, let him hear what The Spirit saith unto the
churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.
Rev 2:8-11 KJV
Smyrna was a city of great trade and wealth—a city in
western Asia Minor (modern Turkey). Smyrna's superb natural harbor made the
city an important commercial center. In spite of keen competition from the
neighboring cities of Ephesus and Pergamum, Smyrna called itself "the first
city of Asia."
In the beginning of this epistle we see, the glorious
title of our Lord Jesus, “The First and The Last.”
In GOD’s ancient Plan of Redemption, JESUS CHRIST is
“The First and The Last.”
In His Plan of Creation, He is “The First and The
Last.”
All that are called and chosen by THE FATHER comes to
Him through CHRIST.
He is "The
Firstborn among many brethren." All that The Father foreknew, He also predestined
to be conformed to “the Image of His Son” (see Rom. 8:29).
He came as "The
Last Adam" and was made “a
Quickening Spirit” (read I Cor. 15:45).
When He revealed Himself to John, He said:
“Fear not; I am The First and The Last:
I am He that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for
evermore, Amen…” (Rev. 1:17-18 KJV)
Spiritual riches (treasures of the Kingdom) are
usually the reward of great diligence. With them ‘the Church’ is more
fulfilling, and her works more enduring than with material wealth.
Those who will be faithful to Christ must expect to go
through many tribulations; but Jesus Christ takes particular notice of all
their troubles. In all their afflictions, He is afflicted, and He will
recompense tribulation to those who trouble them, but to those that are troubled
rest with Himself.
He knows the wickedness and the falsehood of those who
are a part of “the synagogue of Satan,” but, His Church is built on “The Rock.”
He promises us a glorious reward for fidelity “…be thou faithful
unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.”
“The second death” is unspeakably worse than natural
death, it is destructive-death—eternal condemnation.
Christ will save all His faithful servants; “the
second death” have no power over them, for, they shall be partakers of “The
First Resurrection.”