As we come to the second letter, to the angel of the church at Smyrna, found in Revelation 2:8-11, we find a letter unlike the previous one addressed to Ephesus in that there is nothing negative mentioned about this church. Jesus says that the church at Smyrna is afflicted and poor, yet they are rich. Jesus says they will suffer, like all churches and all people do, but if they can remain faithful they will be rewarded. What will they be rewarded with? Life.
So, what does the spirit say to the church? I think that the main thrust of the spirit is found at the beginning of the letter where the church is described as poor yet rich. In our Western/American/Capitalist society we tend to think of those who are rich as being rich, yet we often see wealthy people falling apart at the seems. Jesus asks to think differently, to question what real wealth is and in turn what real poverty is. To answer that we go backwards to the fifth chapter of the Gospel of Matthew verses 3-12.
Here at the beginning of Jesus' Sermon on the Mount we encounter what is commonly referred to as the Beatitudes.
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
In these few verses Jesus institutes what many have called the upside down kingdom. Here we find that the weak gain kingdoms. Those in pain find comfort. Those who are mild inherit. Those who are in need are filled. Those who give receive. Those who are pure see God. Those who lay down their arms are called children. When you are laughed at and attacked, when you are bullied and bruised you are great. It makes no sense in Jesus world, and it makes less sense in ours, and we are a Christian Nation [don't make me laugh].
The church in Smyrna strives for greatness and finds it in its weakness. And because of that they are given life as a victor's crown. Scholars today tend to think that this is an allusion to a series of games that was located in Smyrna. In other words Jesus is emphatically saying, you can compete as the world competes and you may win temporary praise, but if you follow me you will win eternal life. Which would you choose? Smyrna chose life.
Peace and Love,
Pastor K
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