Revelation 2:9 I know your works, tribulation, and poverty (but you are rich);

 

The Lord’s Letter to the Church in Smyrna was one of encouragement, compassion, and comfort. These people were poor and persecuted. They had many problems due to the persecution they were under. Jesus called this tribulation.

 

They probably didn’t have a nice building to meet in or much money in their coffers. Perhaps they didn’t have a building at all and were somewhat of an underground church. However, Jesus said, but you are rich.

 

He was referring to their spiritual condition. They were sound in their doctrine and they worked hard. Jesus did not have a single word of correction for them so we can assume they were following His Pattern for His Church in every way. Because of their strict obedience, they were persecuted.

 

My friends, if you are not being persecuted, you are not doing something right. We don’t know who was persecuting them but given what we do know, we can assume it was the leadership of the Synagogue at that time. We know this because these are the people who persecuted Jesus.

 

While we do not welcome persecution or invite it into our midst, we must not be surprised by it. Jesus said, If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you. (John 15:18) It is not you they hate. They hate Jesus and the Spirit of God that dwells within you.

 

If you are being persecuted, consider yourself in right standing with God. You may not have a lot of money or material goods, but those things do not make one rich or poor in the Eyes of God. Our job is to please Him and not man. For this, we can expect to be persecuted but that’s okay because one day we will stand before Him and hear Him say, Well done, good and faithful servant. Those words are what we long to hear. All the money in the world cannot purchase those words.

 

Keep your faith squarely planted in the Finished Work of Jesus Christ on the Cross of Calvary. Believe that He conquered all the power of the enemy and walk in the Victory He won for you. Faith in Him will cause you to be rich even when you have nothing in this world.

 

We have to choose which road we will walk down: God’s Narrow Road or the wide road of this world. We know what we will find at the end of both roads. What road do you choose?

 

Today is the day to choose. God will soon……….turn the tide

 

On the Narrow Road. No turning back. No turning back.         Doreen

 

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