Revelation 2:9: I know your works, tribulation, and poverty (but you are rich); and I know the blasphemy of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan.
Jesus and His Word
What a comfort it was to the Christians in Smyrna to know that Christ knew all about their sufferings. Besides suffering persecution, they were also enduring extreme poverty. Though extremely poor, they were rich in the wonderful promises Christ had given them. They were being persecuted not only by pagan Gentiles but also by hostile Jews and by Satan himself. In the history of the church the most severe persecution has come from religionists. 1
Jesus and His Ways
- Jesus, may I always look to You, in the most difficult situations, and rejoice because of Your faithfulness to me. – “As sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.” 2 Corinthians 6:10
- Jesus, may I always look to You, in my uncertainty, and rejoice because You know everything about everything, and Your promises are certain. – “Listen, my beloved brethren: Has God not chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom which He promised to those who love Him?” James 2:5
- Jesus, may I always look to You, in my greatest need, and rejoice because You will provide Yourself as all the sufficiency that I need. – “So is he who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.” Luke 12:21
Jesus and His Work
May our greatest possessions be found in the fullness of His word in our heart. – TWEET IT
Jesus and His Promise
“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” Matthew 6:33
1. Walvoord, J. F. (1985). Revelation. In J. F. Walvoord & R. B. Zuck (Eds.), The Bible Knowledge Commentary