We always want happy endings…
In Jesus’ letter to Smyrna, He doesn’t promise they’ll escape with their lives.
He doesn’t promise to blind the eyes of those hunting them.
He doesn’t promise their careers will be safe, their homes will be safe.
He never says their friends and family will be safe.
He says, “Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life. He who overcomes will not be hurt by the second death.”
Persecution has power.
It refines God’s people, it magnifies the name of Jesus, and it stands as a witness to those who see it as the purest expression of love for God.
Jesus’ last lesson for Smyrna and for us is that to die in Christ is to die triumphantly.
And there is no greater witness for Christ than remaining faithful till death.
From WOLFL-2024-05 – Hope Despite Persecution & Suffering (240417AM) – https://youtu.be/mxaoDXYZ2es
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