Grace Notes // Letters to the Churches
To the Church of Smyrna, “Hold On”
Written by Keli Miller
True letter writing is a lost art form. Intentionally assembling a greeting, a note, and a signature of, gratitude or sincerity - is a beauty that has been traded for the convenience of modern day technology. This summer we are going to be diving into a series of letters, inspired by Jesus, written by John to seven different churches.
Before we dive into this week’s specific church I want to take a moment to unpack some of the beautiful imagery that we see in John’s letter.
The book of Revelation is a book revealing visions that John saw of things to come. The first three chapters of the book tell of a specific vision and message that John saw for the churches of Asia. In John’s vision he sees seven lampstands that represent the church. The lampstand is a perfect image for the church because like a lampstand, the church merely displays the light that it holds. We do not produce our own light, merely showcase what is in us. John also sees seven stars that are held by Jesus, these stars represent each church's leader. Individual lampstands, and individual stars, each shining a specific light, held by Jesus and united in this vision revealed to John. Though John’s vision shows the churches all together with Jesus, he sends a specific message of encouragement to each of them. Showing us yet again, that Jesus sees us. He knows our circumstances and is with us, a truth that is communicated doubly in his letter to the Church of Smyrna.
The city of Smyrna is known as the “Flower of Asia''. A thriving community that is a champion for Roman culture. They were comfortable and content living under Rome. But for the Church of Smyrna, there is a different reality. As Christians they are pushed to the fringes of society. They are mocked and afflicted because of their faith in Jesus and refusal to offer incense to Rome. They are paying a costly price for their faith and Jesus offers them three words of encouragement: I see you. He tells them to hold on and that he will give them the crown of life.
“Hold on, I will give you the crown of life.”
- Revelation 2:10 (Paraphrased)
The church of Smyrna faced a temptation that is familiar to each of us. The temptation to compromise their faith in order to experience comfort. The lesson for them is that while yes, compromise might lead to earthly comfort it is not true Kingdom flourishing. Though they were in the flower of Asia they were not in the Garden of Eden. So they must hold on in the face of persecution, trusting that one day they will experience true flourishing.
We have to learn how to hold on in the face of the storm. In Jesus’ parable of the wise and foolish men builders we see that though they each chose different foundations (one chose rock the other sand), they shared an experience. They both endured a storm. We will all endure a storm at some point in our lives, that is promised, maybe you’re going through one right now. The question is how do we hold on? And what do we hold on to when it comes?
We must not forget where our true home is. In a Kingdom that is and is to come. The here and now but also the not yet. So hold on dear friend, He has overcome the world.
PROCESSING
Where have you been tempted to make compromises for the hope of being more comfortable?
What has “holding on” looked like in your life? What storms have you weathered with God?
Memorizing Scripture is a great way to “hold on” during trial. What is a passage that you are holding on to in this season? Don’t have one? Here are a few of mine that you can borrow.
Zephaniah 3:17
Hebrews 10:35-36
Isaiah 41:13
IN THE WORD
Revelation 1:9-20
Revelation 2:8-11
Matthew 7:24-27