The brothers and sisters of the Church in Smyrna lived in hostile times, as the emperors of Rome oppressed, imprisoned, and killed Christians, but they did not defeat them, because when they died, they went to Heaven. It does not matter if, in the near or distant future, the Church of Christ suffers persecution, and we are oppressed, imprisoned, persecuted, and even killed by those ruled by darkness. Believers in Jesus will never experience the second death (Revelation 2:11; 21:8), they will only go to the Father sooner than planned!

The glory of eternal life will never be taken away from the faithful to Christ, for they love Him and obey Him with all their hearts. We Christians will never be abandoned by the One who conquered death and stripped the demons of the authority they had to oppress us (Colossians 2:15). Therefore, let us pay attention to the words of the Master, who instructs us not to fear what we will suffer (Revelation 2:10b). The reward that awaits us in eternity is the greatest blessing we can expect from the Lord.

No matter what God allows us to suffer on Earth, He is our Father and will warn us about the dangers we will face. However, if He says nothing, let us face them with serenity, for the important thing is not to deny the One who redeemed us from sin and eternal death. Those who follow the Savior steadfastly should not give in to despair, but rather focus on what to do to repay God's favor. He will never abandon us (Hebrews 13:5b), but will comfort us with His eternal love!

We must always be on guard, for in this world we will have tribulations, but just as Jesus defeated adversity and the powers of darkness, we will do the same with dignity (John 16:33). With the protection granted by the Father, we will not suffer at the hands of the devil. So even if the worst of evil deeds befalls us, we will worship God, cry out to Him, and occupy the position reserved by divine grace in Christ Jesus. We are more than conquerors through Him who loved us (Romans 8:37)!

The Christians of the church in Smyrna would have a tribulation ten days and should not abandon their faith in Christ. We may be destined for a longer time in order to prove that we love our Lord. The ten-day period was short compared to what will come upon the inhabitants of the earth at the end of time. However, Jesus would work on behalf of His own to shorten the days of suffering (Matthew 24:21, 22).

The secret to pleasing God is to be faithful to Him until death, and He will give us the crown of life (James 1:12; Revelation 2:10). Heaven and earth will pass away, but Christ's promises will never pass away (Luke 21:33). Therefore, do not let the devil convince you to do something contrary to the divine plan. Align yourself now with the heavenly purpose. Do you want to have just a few more years of life in this world, or something that will last forever?

The gift that the Lord has given you will never be taken away. By being faithful until death, you will receive the crown of life, which is eternal. Now, few will receive it, so obey God always and do what He commands in His Word.

In Christ, with love,

R. R. Soares