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Day 278 Promise 746, 747 Revelation 2:8 And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things say the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive; 9 I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan. 10 Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life. 11 He who hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says unto the churches; He who overcomes shall not be hurt of the second death. For many of us, persecution, trials, and tribulation aren’t a normal way of life. We don’t know what the early church faced or how they stood fast in their faith. Persecution has been part of the church since its founding. Many countries persecute Christians or kill anyone who dares to bring the gospel across their borders. Jesus told the church in Smyrna they were not to fear the tribulation they faced. It would be short-lived. Ten days doesn’t seem like a long time. Yet, as seen in many places throughout Scripture, a day denotes a year. Diocletian was a Roman emperor who reigned from 284 to 305. He is noted for his persecution of Christians which lasted ten years. As Christians, it brings comfort that the trials and tribulations you go through won’t last. Tribulation might end in death, but even in death, there is reward. Jesus promised a crown of life to all those who persevered in the face of trials and persecution. Jesus’ second promise is that those who persevered wouldn’t be hurt by the second death. Everyone dies and faces eternity, either in heaven or in hell. When you stand fast to your faith in the face of trials and persecution, Satan and death will have no hold on you. Your final destination is heaven. Revelation 20:12 And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. 13 And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. 14 And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. 15 And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire. (KJV) Let’s pray: Father, help me persevere in the face of trials and tribulation, knowing that my faith will bring Your rewards. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen. Copyright © 16 May 2021 by Valerie Routhieaux Image courtesy of Pixabay