7 Churches of RevelationSample

Evil doesn’t win

Devotional:

In Revelation 2-3, John shares with seven churches a revelation he received from Jesus addressed to them. In Revelation 2:8-11 we see the announcement to the church in Smyrna. Jesus, who resurrected from the dead, knows firsthand the affliction and poverty the church in Smyrna is facing, but in spite of their hard situation they are rich in the faith.

Material wealth is not an indicator of God’s love for you. In fact, in James 1:9-12 we see that rich or respected Christians in society should remember they are nothing without Christ. Poor Christians with low standing in society should remember all the blessings and the inheritance they have waiting for them in Christ. No matter who you are, Christ equalizes all of us. In Christ, our identity is given, not earned. We can all look to Jesus for hope as we are all equal before the cross.

In John’s address to Smyrna, Jesus encourages the believers there not to be afraid of the suffering and persecution they have and will endure. They will be tested, but their faithfulness will lead to receiving the crown of life that awaits all followers of Christ.

Even when life is hard, those in Christ have nothing to fear. For at Jesus’ return and his final judgment they will not face rejection from God. Instead, we will receive forgiveness and grace as we enter into his new Kingdom. Revelation 20 shows us as much as we are promised that all believers will reign with God in his new creation.

This means that ultimately evil doesn’t win. That isn’t to downplay the difficulties and suffering we experience in this life. But it encourages us that our suffering won’t last forever and evil won’t have the final word.

Today’s challenge:

Share with God one thing that is causing you pain. Ask Him to move in that situation and tell Him that no matter what He does, you will trust Him through it.