“Write this to the angel of the church in Smyrna:
These are the words of the one who is the first and the last, who died and came back to life: I know your hardship and poverty (though you are actually rich). I also know the hurtful things that have been spoken about you by those who say they are Jews (though they are not, but are really Satan’s synagogue). Don’t be afraid of what you are going to suffer. Look! The devil is going to throw some of you into prison in order to test you. You will suffer hardship for ten days. Be faithful even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life. If you can hear, listen to what the Spirit is saying to the churches. Those who emerge victorious won’t be hurt by the second death. (Revelation 2:8-11, CEB)
Do not be afraid of what you are going to suffer. You will need to stand up for the faith and proclaim the truth in the midst of evil and people twisting the truth to their agenda. We all need to stand fast, knowing persecution and hardship are coming. Knowing we will be condemned and imprisoned for our words and actions by the powers of evil that twist the love of God.
Do not succumb to Satan’s synagogue, but stand fast with God.
Be faithful.
