Smyrna: Richer Than We Imagine

Series: The Church Restored

Sermon:  Smyrna: Richer Than We Imagine

Scripture: Revelation 2:8-11

One of the hardest things for me to remember as a follower of Christ is that the way I look at things is not always the way God looks at them. What I think is a priority doesn’t always have the same level of importance to God. In fact, what I think is important sometimes doesn’t even show up on God’s radar screen.

Of course, the opposite is true also. What God thinks is important I sometimes not only don’t think it’s important, I might actually try to avoid it. For instance, God thinks discipline is a really important thing. In Hebrews 12 the writer says, “And you have forgotten that word of encouragement that addresses you as sons: "My son, do not make light of the Lord's discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes everyone he accepts as a son." Then listen to his conclusion of the matter: “Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father?” (v.7) “Our fathers disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in his holiness. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.” (v. 10-11)

I don’t know about you but I try to avoid pain. Yet God says that His discipline is for our good; it can even produce a harvest of righteousness. The Hebrew writer even says that we should consider hardship as discipline.

Over and over again I find myself running up against the wall of God’s inscrutable ways. A phrase from Isaiah keeps going through my mind: “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the LORD. "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” (55:8-9)

In that same vein I often hear myself saying, “Jerry, you are such a loser. You are a terrible person. You are a sinner of the worst sort.” Then the Spirit reminds me that I am a child of God, adopted by God Himself. He reminds me that by Jesus’ blood I am continually being made holy. He reminds me that there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. The Spirit reminds me of how God looks at me and I’m amazed and perplexed…and thankful.

This same principle is seen in the letter to the church at Smyrna. (read vs. 8-11).

1.     They thought they were poor and hopeless. They were living in one of the richest cities of that era. Smyrna was awash in wealth. Because of all the wealth that surrounded them, their conditions only looked worse. They had 2 strikes against them: First, if they did not claim Caesar was a god then they would not receive permission to be able to buy and sell. They would literally have to survive on the benevolence of those around them and fellow believers. Second, they were constantly being slandered by the Jews. The Jews would often say that they were barbarians because they drank blood (referring to the drinking of the wine of communion).
It would be fairly obvious that these people looked at the wealth that surrounded them and could easily assume that they were poor. In fact, they were barely surviving. It’s at this point that they receive a letter from Jesus. He tells them, “I know your afflictions and your poverty.” There are 2 Greek words that are very descriptive in this sentence. One is afflictions, which really means intense pressure. They are under intense pressure. The second is the word for poverty. There were 2 Greek words for poverty; one describes ordinary poverty, the other describes extreme poverty, possessing absolutely nothing. The word Jesus uses here describes extreme poverty. Notice, he doesn’t say, “You think you’re under intense pressure and you are poor.” He is not denying the obvious. But he wants them to see things from his perspective. He wants them to see themselves from his perspective. “I know your afflictions and your poverty—yet you are rich.”
How could Jesus consider them to be rich? Their riches were not tied up in material wealth. The world would never look at them and consider them to be wealthy by the standards of the world. But Jesus looks at them differently. And he wants them to see themselves differently. In 2 Cor. 8:9 Paul writes, “You know the generous grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. Though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that by his poverty he could make you rich.” Was Paul talking about material riches? NO.
The Hebrew writer says to his readers, “Remember those earlier days after you had received the light, when you stood your ground in a great contest in the face of suffering. Sometimes you were publicly exposed to insult and persecution; at other times you stood side by side with those who were so treated. You sympathized with those in prison and joyfully accepted the confiscation of your property, because you knew that you yourselves had better and lasting possessions. So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded.” (Heb. 10).
My fear is that many of us, were we given the choice, would choose material riches over spiritual riches. In fact, I know we would, because we are already making that choice every single day.

2.     They were afraid of suffering. Jesus encourages them by telling them that Satan is about to test them by putting them in prison for 10 days. Some encouragement, huh? Actually his encouragement was that they shouldn’t be afraid of it. This is about to happen to some of you, but don’t be afraid. You see, Jesus understands exactly what they’re going through. Hebrews 12:3 says about Jesus, “Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” Remember how Jesus began his letter to Smyrna? “These are the words of him who is the First and the Last, who died and came to life again.”
This is not some ivory tower preacher who hasn’t got a clue what it’s like to suffer. This is me: Jesus. I am the one who died and came to life again. Don’t be afraid of suffering and death, Jesus tells them. I’ve been there, and I’ve already died for you. And Jesus has a promise for them. “Be faithful to the point of death and I will give you the crown of life.” Even if they were martyred they would be ushered into Jesus’ presence wearing crowns.
So what’s your view of suffering? Are you willing to be persecuted for Jesus? It costs to be a dedicated Christian. In some places more than others.

(Stand)

Jesus wants us to see life from his perspective. Are you poor? Are you under pressure? Remember the riches Jesus has given you. Riches that don’t wear out, rust out, or break. Are you afraid of suffering or death? Don’t be. Jesus has already been there for you. There are worse things than suffering or death. One of them is called Hell. Jesus has been there for you. Remain faithful to him and you will receive your reward.