Unlike Ephesus, the church in Smyrna apparently didn’t have works, but it was not censored in any way (Revelation 2.8-11).

It was likely that the works had corrupted the heart of the Christians in Ephesus, to the point of leaving their first love.

In the same way that our Lord recognised the groans of the church in Smyrna, He also recognises the struggle His servants go through each day.

Tribulation, poverty, and serious accusations made by false Jews helped those Christians keep their faith active.

I believe that God allows His people to go through all kinds of tribulations for the same reason. After all, everything works together for good to those who belong to Him, isn’t it true?

He rejected those Jews in such a way that He considered their sacred place a synagogue of Satan. Wouldn’t it also be His vision in relation to many “churches” that are supposedly Christian?

But to those who are born of the Spirit, there is no need to fear. Imprisonment, tribulation or any other struggle we go through in life is part of our journey bound for the Promise Land.

Stay firm and be faithful because sooner or later it will all end.

The prize?

The Crown of Life.