“And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write: These are the words of the first and the last, who was dead and came to life: “I know your affliction and your poverty, even though you are rich. I know the slander on the part of those who say that they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Beware, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison so that you may be tested, and for ten days you will have affliction. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life. Let anyone who has an ear listen to what the Spirit is saying to the churches. Whoever conquers will not be harmed by the second death. (Revelation 2:8-11, NRSV)
“Fear is the path to the dark side. Fear leads to anger. Anger leads to hate. Hate leads to suffering.” Yoda.
I read this passage from Revelation today and was comforted…
Comforted by a synagogue of Satan? No!
I am not comforted by the fact that there are those in the body who are supposed followers of Christ yet actually do their best to work against God. We all actually fall into this category at some point. But this is not comforting…
What is comforting is that God knows us. He knows that we are poor even in our riches. He knows the suffering we are going to face. He knows what we are going to face and has it all under control. He has our lives in His hands and we do not have to fear what might come because He will see us through!
We do not have to fear what we will suffer, just know that in the valley He is always with us!
aSacredRebel 