The Lord Jesus exhorts us to be faithful unto death. He himself has overcome, and he’ll reward everyone who follows his good example. Overcoming has many hardships, but he’ll see us through.

First, let’s talk about the One speaking: it is the Lord Jesus Christ, risen from the dead. Revelation 2:8 - ""Write to the angel of the church in Smyrna: Thus says the First and the Last, the one who was dead and came to life:" That’s the great thing about The Revelation: Christ himself comforts us, as One who has borne our sins [Rev 1:5]. His power and comfort are unimaginable, because he’s gotten the victory. Not only was he obedient, but he died on the cross to make us obedient. He eliminated our death, so he can give us life. He took our blame and punishment, so we can get his blessing. It is wonderful!

Realize who he is, and put your faith in him. He’s the infinite and eternal Son of God, waiting until his enemies are defeated. Hebrews 10:12-13 - "But when Christ had offered for all time a single sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God, waiting from that time until his enemies should be made a footstool for his feet." Trust in him who conquered death, and comes with blessings. Trust him, because the wrath of the Lamb is real.

Secondly, Christ knows our works. Revelation 2:9 - ""I know your works, affliction and poverty, but you are rich. I know the slander of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan." He discerns the thoughts and the intents of the heart. He looks inside, and sees us clearly. He weighs our works in the balance of his justice, and he knows if we do good. Proverbs 15:3 - "The eyes of the LORD are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good."

The church at Smyrna is commended, like the Thessalonians. He has no rebuke. He’s come to encourage, comfort, and command.

He knows our “tribulation,” which is trouble, and how we suffer for Christ. Never feel that you need pity from men. Christ knows everything that’s happening, and he is the Comforter [John 14:18]. He’s given us the Holy Spirit to assure us that what we need, which is salvation and provision, is truly ours.

“Poverty.” These believers were POOR. James 2:5 - "Listen, my beloved brothers, has not God chosen those who are poor in the world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom, which he has promised to those who love him?" Having Christ doesn’t mean that you’ll be rich. It may be God’s eternal purpose to keep you poor to save your soul, make you humble, and enable you to minister to the poor. Most people chosen to salvation are poor in this world. 1 Corinthians 1:26 - "Brothers and sisters, consider your calling: Not many were wise from a human perspective, not many powerful, not many of noble birth." Is that too much for you? Will you rebel? Will you say, “My god makes me rich,” and reject the God of the Bible? Will you worship God for what he can give you - money, power, marriage, etc - or do you worship him because of what he’s given, which is his Son and salvation from sin?

Thirdly, he tells us, “Do not fear.” Revelation 2:10 - ""Don't be afraid of what you are about to suffer. Look, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison to test you, and you will experience affliction for ten days. Be faithful to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life.” Do not be afraid of anything that will happen to you. Don’t walk in fear of tomorrow. Walk in faith toward your God. He controls the future, and all suffering is his to withhold or administer. He’s the ruler over Satan, who cannot trouble us without his permission. Christ is with us. He will not leave us in the storm of affliction. He won’t abandon his children, when we need him most.

We are “about to suffer.” Suffering is normal; it is part of the kingdom. Trying to serve God without suffering is like trying to swim without getting wet. It’s impossible. People hate you, because they hate Christ, and you bring Christ to remembrance. Don’t let it thwart you. Don’t avoid it. Seek God’s will, no matter the suffering. 2 Timothy 1:8 - "So don't be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, or of me his prisoner. Instead, share in suffering for the gospel, relying on the power of God.” Hugh Latimer said, “Be of good comfort, Mr Ridley, and play the man,” as the fires of persecution consumed him. Yes, play the man [1 Corinthians 16:13]. Don’t complain. Don’t look for pity. Be strong in the faith, strong in grace, and do everything by love.

We will be “tested.” We must have tribulation to see what we’re made of, and to see God’s faithfulness. David must be challenged before he gets the throne, and we must be challenged before we make heaven. Tests prove that we trust Christ. When hard times come, how do we respond? Are we bitter, fearful, and filled with self-pity, or do we look to Christ, rejoice in the love of God, and minister to others? Testing and difficulty show who’s faithful, and who is to be regarded. Acts 15:26, "who have risked their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ." Who really has conviction? Who will suffer? Likewise, enduring affliction, like training in the gym, makes us stronger, better, and more able to serve.

Tribulation is for “ten days”. That means it’s controlled. Christ is in charge of how long we suffer. The Devil is on chain, and can only accomplish God’s purpose. God knows how much suffering we need, and we’ll never get one drop more. Ten days means that we can’t change it or pray ourselves out of it; it is determined by grace, and must be endured. We are wise to seek strength to honor God, more than to seek freedom from bad circumstances.

“Be faithful until death.” This is the good thing that God’s given us: faithfulness. If I could have anything in the world, it would be obedience. I value health, and love nice things, but faith in Christ that works by love is our constant pursuit. We’re fully involved in obedience, because this is our life [1 Pet 1:13-16]. Honoring God is more important than life itself. We don’t let suffering turn us backward, but we go forward by grace. We are sufferers, but we are joyful sufferers with patience. We’re not looking for a way out, but for a way to endure whatever happens to God’s glory.