“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.” (Revelation 2.9-11, NKJV)
Tests are a necessary but uncomfortable fact of life. Whether it’s a final exam, driving test, home inspection or blood test, each carries its own weight of concern. It is no different for the tests that God permits. At times we would like to avoid them and “call in sick.” What if I fail? we may think.
The believers in the church of Smyrna were being tested. This wasn’t a mere “pop quiz”. On the contrary, God would permit the devil to throw some of them into prison so that they would suffer tribulation for “ten days”. Some would even die in this testing, for Jesus told them to “be faithful until death.” How do we find the strength to endure and pass such tests?
Do not be afraid. The first thing that Jesus tells them is not to fear anything. Even if the devil throws them into prison, they are to take courage as their constant companion. Ultimately, nothing will harm them (Luke 10.19).
Be faithful. Second, Jesus tells them to be faithful…even till the point of death. When Job was tested he said, “Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him” (Job 13.15). Many times when we are tested we don’t know what’s going on. Why is this happening to me? Is God trying to tell me something? Days turn to weeks, weeks to months, and months to years. Still the trial continues. Consider how many years Joseph was a slave and then imprisoned, not knowing what God was up to. If we will remain faithful (i.e. full of faith and obedient), then God will always bring us through the trial and bless us on the other side. Do you believe that?
The point of Jesus telling them that they would have tribulation “ten days” was so that they wouldn’t lose hope. Their trial wouldn’t last forever. As God permitted them to be cast into the fiery furnace of affliction, He would surely deliver them. Even if they were to die for their faith they had nothing to fear, for they would be greatly rewarded with the crown of life.
Are you being tested? Then take courage and be faithful no matter what. Soon the trial will pass, and you’ll be better for it. In the meantime, God will bring forth the sweet fragrance of Christ from your life.
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