The words of Jesus in Revelation 2 to the church in Smyrna seem to contradict so much what many preachers and teachers are saying today, who say that you will have health and wealth if you have enough faith:
“I know your tribulation and your poverty (but you are rich) and the slander of those who say that they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and for ten days you will have tribulation. Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.” (Revelation 2:9-10 ESV)
The church in Smyrna (current Izmir in Turkey) was poor and persecuted, yet spiritually rich in Jesus because of their loyalty to Jesus unto death.
Jesus didn’t tell them to rebuke their poverty or suffering, or claim riches. No, he told them to “be faithful (Greek: pistos = loyal) unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.”
I wonder how many people will be “faithful unto death” if they’re not getting the healing or riches they were promised by those who twist the scriptures by using scripture as prooftext to support doctrines that you won’t be able to find if you read the text in its context(s).
Be faithful unto death and Jesus will give you the crown of life!
Maranatha!
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