THIS Smyrna church was made up largely of the poor of this world rich in faith. What its members lacked in this world’s goads they made up in devotion to Christ and confidence in God. Although having to endure the blasphemous attacks of certain enemies of the cross of Christ, they were exposed to severe persecution, even to imprisonment and death for His name’s sake; yet they remained steadfast, and so had the assurance that whatever they might have to suffer here, they would not be hurt of the second death. These words are written for our encouragement. It means much to cleave to the Lord with purpose of heart despite the opposition of the world, the flesh, and the devil. Every seeming defeat is turned into glorious victory, when we are conscious of the Lord’s presence with us and realize we are sustained by His mighty power. There is a wealth of encouragement in the Saviour’s words, “Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.” Every believer has eternal life. But the crown of life is a special reward to be given for faithfully enduring trial, even unto death itself.
“Faint not, Christian, though the road.
Leading to thy blest abode,
Darksome be, and dangerous too;
Christ thy Guide will bring thee through.
Faint not, Christian look on high!
See the harpers in the sky:
And His love will then bestow
Power to conquer every foe.”
—Anon.