Revelation 2:10 Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you life as your victor’s crown.
The book of Revelation seems scary at times, especially when you see verses like today’s that speak of persecution, suffering, and prison. Regardless of your views on when the church is raptured away, we can still learn from the entire book. And we can rest assured that the suffering and imprisonment mentioned here is temporary. It also encourages us to be faithful because we will be rewarded with life as our victor’s crown.
A little insight on who this verse was being addressed to. This letter was for the church of Smyrna, a small, poverty filled church that was already enduring trials. Jesus warned them that there would be more problems to come, but also encouraged them to stand firm and strong in the face of persecution.
Though we are looking towards the end here, there is still application for today’s living. We are reminded to be faithful in suffering, strong and steadfast in our beliefs. Suffering is temporary and there is always a reason. We grow through the pain and strengthen our trust in God’s provision. His guiding hand is upon us as we go through life, and we need to remember that fact. He loves us and wants what is best for us, though it may seem like the struggles and challenges are overwhelming. We can be strong in Him and through Him and we will be conquerors. And we have the promise of a crown of life (1 Corinthians 9:25).
Persecution, whether past, present, or future, was promised by Jesus. We will face spiritual attack any time we are doing good for Him and can expect to be persecuted and hated (Revelation 12:17). We see this warfare that is going on in our own world. Look at all of the problems we see in our world. Look at all of the confusion over things, the arguments over sexuality and rights. We live in a broken world.
But we can trust that nothing we face is ever done in vain. We will receive the crown of life (1 Corinthians 3:14; Colossians 3:23-24). Today I encourage you to hold fast. Stand strong in your beliefs and convictions. Live your life for Him and expect to feel the attacks going on as you do so. Remember, you have a crown of victory waiting for you in the end!
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