7 Churches of Revelation:  Smyrna 

Revelation 2: 8-11:  "And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write, `These things says the First and the Last, who was dead, and came to life: I know your works, tribulation, and poverty (but you are rich); and I know the blasphemy of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. He who overcomes shall not be hurt by the second death.''  

Smyrna was an important trading center in the ancient world. Today it is called Izmir. Modern Izmir is a large and prosperous city. The name means myrrh which is a bitter oil and suggests hardship and death. In biblical times, myrrh was use in the burial preparations. The gift of myrrh at Christ’s death prophesied His death. 

Smyrna was a place of hardship and death for the Christians who lived there. Christians were persecuted, tortured and executed. The Lord recognized their struggles which were made worse when they suffered under the hands of those who should have protected them. Even though believers were suffering and more suffering was to come, the Lord cautions them about a poverty spirit and reminds them that they are indeed rich. In spite of what was happening to them, they were sill rich in the promises of God. The greatest promise is victory for eternity. Revelation 21:7-8: 7.  "He who overcomes shall inherit all things, and I will be his God and he shall be My son. But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.'' 

A poverty spirit is not limited to those who are living under persecution. It exists in and flows out of an ungrateful heart. Most Christians can recite many of the promises of God, but do we live by them? 

Isaiah 41:10-11: “ Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand. Behold, all those who were incensed against you shall be ashamed and disgraced; they shall be as nothing, and those who strive with you shall perish. “ 

Isaiah 26:3:  “You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You”. 

John 16:33: “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.'' 

Matthew 11:28-30: "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.''  

Philippians 4:6-8: “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy meditate on these things.” 

Standing on the Promises 

1 Standing on the promises of Christ, my King, 

Through eternal ages let his praises ring; 
Glory in the highest, I will shout and sing, 
Standing on the promises of God. 
 
Standing, standing, 
Standing on the promises of God, my Savior; 
Standing, standing, 
I'm standing on the promises of God. 
 
When the howling storms of doubt and fear assail, 
By the living Word of God I shall prevail, 
Standing on the promises of God. [Refrain] 
 
Bound to him eternally by love's strong cord, 
Overcoming daily with the Spirit's sword, 
Standing on the promises of God. [Refrain] 
 
List'ning ev'ry moment to the Spirit's call, 
Resting in my Savior as my all in all, 
Standing on the promises of God. [Refrain] 

Refrain: 

2 Standing on the promises that cannot fail. 

3 Standing on the promises of Christ, the Lord, 

4 Standing on the promises I cannot fall, 

---Russell Kelso Carter