Smyrna: The Steadfast Sufferers
Revelation 2:8-11
Contrasting word pictures to Smyrna were given
In the message Jesus told John should be written.
Surely His words helped them back then,
And they still extend courage as I read them again.
My Lord is both “protos” at the very beginning,
and “eschatos” when all else has seen ending.
Though He once became dead because He loved me,
the Author of Life lives eternally.
He saw their hardships of poverty and testing,
yet their treasure in heaven this earth was besting.
Some insulted the truth of God Whose worship they feigned,
but He saw their origins; false claims won’t be sustained.
‘None of those things?’ Jesus, are You sure?
He is; over terror His peace shall endure.
In the moment, prison and trials might seem endless,
but God has set limits to all things horrendous.
Full of faith all the way – what a holy command!
After death, crown of life – what a gift from Your hand!
It’s possible to hear Your words without heeding;
keep them ever fresh in me, as to follow I’m seeking.
In all these things we are more than conquerors through Christ;*
second death cannot touch us because He paid the price.
“Smyrna” means myrrh, the city’s main export;
What it represents summarizes Christ’s comfort.
Though naturally bitter, myrrh was used for anointing;
It’s also present at Jesus’ birth and cross suffering.
In omniscient omnipotence, my Father can use
Even bad experiences I’d never choose
To show forth His image in a vessel of clay.
He does all things well, come whatever may.