“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.
Do not fear any of those things
which you are about to suffer.
Indeed,
the devil is about to throw
some of you into prison,
that you may be tested,
and you will have tribulation
ten days.
Be faithful until death,
and I will give you
the crown of life.”
(Revelation 2:9 – 10)
Blasphemy and hypocrisy
Are very similar
A hypocrite claims to be
Something that they are not…
A bit like an actor
Playing a part in a play
It is NOT the truth…
Blasphemy is similar
But deals with the divine…
Either claiming to act godly
Or attributing something
Which is godly…
TO the devil…
But as far as the church
In Smyrna is concerned:
“the devil is about to throw
some of you into prison”
(Revelation 2:10)
“that you may be tested,
and you will have tribulation
ten days.
Be faithful until death,
and I will give you
the crown of life.”
(Revelation 2:10)
This particular part
Of Revelation relating
To the church in Smyrna
I believe HAS already
Taken place…
Many in the early church
Were killed in the Colosseum
In Rome…
For the entertainment
Of Caesar and the Romans
As Jesus says:
“Be faithful until death”
(Revelation 2:10)
I say this so that
We are not still waiting
For this prophecy
To take place…
Having said that…
How many of us would
Be strong enough
In our faith…
To be tested “onto death”?
It is truly wonderful to know
That Jesus says:
“and I will give you
the crown of life.”
(Revelation 2:10)
But would we be willing
To face the tribulation…?