SMYRNA

Feb 17
3 min read

BITTER YET FRAGRANT

Bitter yet fragrant. That is myrrh for you. Just because something hurts doesn’t mean it cannot produce amazing things. A misconception about Christianity is that Christianity guarantees a trouble-free life. I wish that was true. The Greek and Hebrew meaning of Smyrna is “myrrh” which is an aromatic resin used in ancient perfumes, incense, medicine, and embalming. Google tells us that although myrrh has a faint, raw scent on its own, its full aroma is often locked within these hardened, sticky tears, which are released most effectively when broken, crushed, or heated. Bitter yet fragrant.

Some aromas within us are only released through trials and persecution. The church of Smyrna was being crushed and pressed by persecution. Instead of their faith being destroyed, the pressure released something beautiful, which is their loyalty and steadfastness to Christ. Just like myrrh doesn’t give off its aroma until crushed, their faith shone most when life was at its hardest. Look at the three Hebrew boys. Look at Daniel. Look at Paul. When life came against them with full speed, they produced beautiful aromas.

It is hard to suffer. A soft life, why not. Would you trade comfort for suffering in God’s name? The people of Smyrna suffered because they would not compromise their allegiance to Jesus. Their loyalty cost them socially, financially, and sometimes physically. Their suffering wasn’t punishment; it was the price of faithfulness. Are you willing to pay the price of faithfulness? Would you still be faithful if it depended on you selling your house, quitting your job, moving away to another land? Would you carry the cross of Jesus if needed?

~ Selah

THE PERSECUTION

The voices can be so loud! The voices of “how come you’re a Christian but not wealthy?” “If God loves you why are you suffering?” “You pray all the time why are you never promoted?” ”You say God loves you so why are you still single at 35?” “Jesus’ child, why can’t your God give you a child of your own?” The voices! The voices that could shatters your heart. The voices that follow you around. “If you are the Son of God, come down from the cross!” “He saved others; He cannot save Himself!” Does that sound familiar to you? Jesus! Our Jesus had these voices. These voices are the people who “say they are Jews, but they are not, because their synagogue belongs to Satan” (Revelation 2:9). We live in a world where the words of men cut deep into the soul. The people you expect better from persecute you the most! Fear not! Let them speak! Let them laugh at you.

The Bible says “Don’t be afraid of these sufferings. Continue to remain faithful even when you face death and God will give you the crown of life” (Revelation‬ ‭2‬:‭10‬ ‭NLT)‬‬. Yes the Bible says though you suffer on earth, hold on tight, keep going; your reward is in Heaven. James 1:12 even excites me more as it says “God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation.” Let the voices speak. We will not be destroyed by these voices! We will remain faithful to the Lord. God knows your suffering and your poverty, He knows those who oppose you, but take heart! "Be faithful until death" (Revelation 2:10) and the good Lord will always bless you.

Prayer: God we thank You and we exalt Your name. God, we know that this world will always persecute those who follow You. We pray for grace to stand when we are being persecuted. Give us the peace and the strength and the spirit of endurance. At the end, our actions will produce sweet incense and reach the heavens. Thank You Lord, in Jesus’ name, amen.