Sometimes there are passages in the Scripture that confound even the most mature Believer. These are the ones that seem to defy logic, ones that fly in the face of our cherished sensibilities. For example, in Luke 6:30 the Lord tells us to “Give to everyone who asks of you. And from him who takes away your goods do not ask them back.” But Jesus gives no qualifier in this verse. The person who asks for your stuff may be a bum, a greedy businessman, or the government. How are we supposed to follow that command?
Another example deals with how we respond to a personal attack. Jesus said, “But I tell you not to resist an evil person. But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also. If anyone wants to sue you and take away your tunic, let him have your cloak also” (Matt. 5:39-40). How does this play out in real life in real time? If the church followed this command the future of the legal profession would be in great peril.
But one of the hardest teachings in Scripture, especially to an opulent, narcissistic church like we have today, is the idea that suffering or persecution could be a good thing. That sentiment is hard to swallow, let alone believe. How could persecution be a good thing? Ever? To anybody?
The Church at Smyrna
In the second of our Lord’s seven personal epistles to His church, found in Revelation 2 and 3, He has nothing but kind words to say about the church at Smyrna (Rev. 2:8-11). And the primary characteristic of this church was their faithful perseverance under extreme persecution that lasted centuries. We would be well advised as a church, and as individuals, to emulate in our life what brought this church such praise from our Lord.
To find out more about the Lord’s letter to the church at Smyrna, and what we can learn about our own view of suffering, then keep listening.
The following is a study on Jesus’ letter to the church at Smyrna, Revelation 2:8-11.
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