But you are rich

Good morning to all! Yes, God made another day for us to be alive and an example for him. God is good all the time all the time God is good.

Revelation 2:8-9 "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.""

Smyrna means "myrrh," the substance used for perfume and often for anointing a dead body for aromatic purposes. The city of Smyrna was about 25 miles north of Ephesus. It was nicknamed "Port of Asia" because it had an excellent harbor on the Aegean Sea. The church in this city struggled against two hostile forces: a Jewish population strongly opposed to Christianity, and a non-Jewish population that was loyal to Rome and supported emperor worship. This is the current day Izmir, Turkey. Persecution and suffering were inevitable in an environment like this.

v.9 about know you works but you are rich - believers need not fear death, because it will only result in their receiving the crown of life. Satan may harm their earthly bodies but cannot touch their spiritual bodies.

v9 who say they are jews - although they were jews physically, they were spiritual pagans who aligned themselves with other pagans in killing Christians.

v.9 synagogue of Satan - this means the Jews were serving Satan's purposes, not God's. They rejected the Messiah and Judaism becomes as much a tool of Satan as emperor worship.

Thank you for reading with me today. Are you allowing pagan ideas the opportunity to taint you Christian walk? Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny