The pastor of this congregation was most likely a discouraged man and was fighting for the life of his church and his people as he unwrapped this letter and read it. This church was suffering. Here is what he read; Revelation 2:8 “To the angel of the church in Smyrna write: These are the words of him who is the First and the Last, who died and came to life again. 9 I know your afflictions… These words are the cornerstone of everything else mentioned in this letter - everything is going to stand on this one thing; Jesus is the first and the last meaning that he stands alone in his uniqueness and that he is God without beginning and without end. He transcends time – problems – people – governments - history - he is the everlasting God who will prevail. Revelation 2:8 These are the words of him who is the First and the Last, who died and came to life again. 9 I know your afflictions and your poverty—yet you are rich! I know about the slander of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. 10 Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you life as your victor’s crown. 11 Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. The one who is victorious will not be hurt at all by the second death. What in the world was going on in Smyrna? It was a great city but something very bad was happening to those who followed Jesus in the city of Smyrna. There was an organized group of haters who were deliberately trying to punish those who believed in Jesus. Why did their faith in Jesus irritate those people so much? The world has lots of reasons to be irritated with Christians but the Bible says that people love darkness and reject the light. John 3:19 And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil. 20 For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed. And so how do we respond to persecution? Do Good - Matthew 5:11 “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. …16 let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. Love and Pray for Enemies - Matthew 5:44 But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. Overcome Evil with Good - Romans 12:19 Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” 20 To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Do more Good - 1 Peter 4:19 Therefore let those who suffer according to God's will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good. Trust God - 1 Peter 2:21 For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps. 22 He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. 23 When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly. Really? That’s it? Fighting Hate with love? Bad with good? Suffering with patience? Giving up our rights and waiting for God to act? YES! God develops rich Christians in the school of suffering. Revelation 2:9 I know your afflictions and your poverty—yet you are rich! Suffering is real and unpleasant and yet we gain something through it. Knowing Jesus is what it means to be rich! What will be your last testimony? Revelation 2:10 Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you life as your victor’s crown. 11 Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. The one who is victorious will not be hurt at all by the second death.