Be Faithful!
Jill Osmon
“Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and for ten days you will have tribulation. Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. The one who conquers will not be hurt by the second death.” Revelation 2:10-11
We drop into the church at Smyrna, and from the text, we know a few things. They had tribulations, worldly poverty (although God is quick to point out they are rich), and were going through some form of slander. I could have written all of that about the church in 2022, right? It is a strange time in our world and culture. I love what John Piper says about this passage, “This is what was happening in Smyrna 1,900 years ago and it is still happening. When Christianity goes really public in a pagan world (instead of remaining in our safe, isolated, comfortable sanctuaries) the opposition labels us not as mistaken, but as evil and dangerous. The ironic and tragic response of many Christians in that atmosphere of conflict is to simply disappear. And to think that they are doing God a favor by stirring up no opposition to his name.”
As I am writing this, I just read about some players in the MLB Florida Rays team that refused to wear the Pride Month emblems on their uniforms. I am sure there are many thoughts and opinions about if they should or should not, but what struck me was the kindness they showed even in their refusal. They did not disappear so as to not stir up opposition but, and this is so important, they tried to lead with love and truth. The world, in general, will probably not be kind to them. They will fight slander and some American form of tribulation, but the end of verse 10 and all of 11 gives us our command. We are to be faithful!
We are not called to be faithful to the world or timidness, but faithful to the Gospel. We are to be faithful in the face of adversity and slander. When the world tells us we are hateful, we respond with truth and love.
We are to be faithful. Faithfulness will never look mean, condescending, or arrogant as to become so loud you are a clanging cymbal (1 Corinthians 13:1). We are to heed the Holy Spirit. Then we will avoid the second death of Hell and God will reward us with the crown of life.
We will be tested and face adversity, but be faithful. Your faithfulness will shine the light of the Gospel.