Revelation 2:9 and I know the blasphemy of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan.

 

The letter to the Church in Smyrna was short; only four Verses in length. These things says the First and the Last, who was dead, and came to life: I know your works, tribulation, and poverty (but you are rich); and I know the blasphemy of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you a Crown of Life. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. He who overcomes shall not be hurt by the second death.

 

In this Letter, Jesus is reassuring these people that He is well aware of the persecution they are experiencing and He tells them the source of these actions against them. This is very important for every born-again believer to know because we will suffer persecution. and I know the blasphemy of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. (Revelation 2:9)

 

In this statement, Jesus refers to these people as “Jews.” We can translate this to mean “God’s people” which under the new Covenant means true believers in Christ. The fact is, most of the persecution the Church suffers comes from those who profess to be God’s people. Some are of other religions such as Islam, but many claim to be saved, born-again believers in Christ, but they are not. In fact, they are of Satan and what they preach is blasphemy.

 

This has been the case down through the ages and is still the case today. In third-world countries today, the Church is coming under severe persecution. Christians are being killed every day for their faith in Christ. Islam is at the core of most of this persecution as they hate Christ and everyone who follows Him.

 

In the western world, much of the persecution of the Church comes from those who claim to be Christians. However, we know them to be liars by the fruit they produce, the words they speak, their actions, and their lifestyles.

 

Jesus said, you will know them by their fruit. (Matthew 7:16) To examine the fruit is to test the spirit of these people. Many trees look alike but their fruit will determine what kind of tree they really are. People may look like Christians but their fruit (what they produce) will tell reveal the truth.

 

We are called to remain steadfast in our faith in Christ, test every spirit, and be overcomers. With the help of the Holy Spirit, we will persevere.

 

God will soon……….turn the tide

 

Holding on!         Doreen

 

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