“The Time is at Hand!” ~ Church of Smyrna

“He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the Churches; He that Overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.”  ~ Rev. 2:11 “Fear none of those things!”

As we enter the Book of Revelation once more we hear these Words: “The Time is at Hand.” God’s timing is perfect, and we see He is sending Jesus to visit the Churches. First, that we might renew our Love, strengthen our love and be mindful that it is a command written in scripture that we “should love the Lord our God with everything within us. Second, now hear Jesus say “Fear None of These Things!” Today we explore the Church at Symrna. It was a rich city in Turkey, now called Ismir. It is about 50 miles from Ephesus and on the Aegean Sea. In Each Church we will be reminded “The Time is at hand”  --for spiritual growth in the Body of Christ, for preparation for His coming, and to Overcome! At Symrna there is no reprimand, but a very strong warning. As we enter the Church at Symrna we hear Jesus identify Himself. He is the first and the last, was dead and is alive; The Lord always sees the work we do for Him. The witness we are for Him. The good and “right” things we accomplish … we must never forget He also sees our tribulation:---something that causes great trouble or suffering in our life. And when there is lack, He also sees our headships. We know these things but when trouble knocks at our door we need to be reminded that God sees everything! Again we know this, but tend to forget and stress/anxiety tries to enter into our mind. Poverty is mentioned, but then He says “Thou are Rich!” It is good for us to see our Salvation as wealth, wealth for our soul, and wealth for Eternal Life! Symrna, while there is no rebuke from the Lord, there is great demoniac activity trying to disrupt the saints in this Church. Perhaps we get a glimpse of this even in our day. Jesus uses strong Words as he declares there is a group in the Church who professes Jewism, but is of the synagogue of satan. There are many professions in the Church at large today, but all are not from God. Then this striking statement comes forth – “Fear None of Those Things!” What things? Vs10 of Rev. 2 “…Things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.” There is no more explanation – “He that hath an ear, let him Hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; Overcoming, Faithfulness will bring a Crown of Life!  Loving You  ~Pastor