Be Faithful Till The End Keluarga Allah Daily Devotional September 27, 2017
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THE SOUL Revelation 2: 8-11
TODAY'S RHEMA Revelation 2: 10 "Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you life as your victor's crown."
Holding integrity in Christ is not easy. No one can really understand better than the Church of Smyrna. In the first century, Smyrna was famous as the trading center of myrrh. Many people used it as a perfume and medicine, which classified as valuable good affordable only by the rich. No wonder if the city and its citizens were very rich. Discrimination against a believer who refused to worship their gods or Roman's emperor in this city was great, that they were excluded in all things, nobody willing to sell or buy things from them nor would employ them. The congregation of Smyrna wasn't only in poverty but they also had to face tribulation. Moreover, many of them were persecuted and thrown into an arena full of wild animals. Even so, they didn't deny their faith.
They held up their integrity, though they must face slander, tribulation even death. Their faithfulness produced fragrant aroma until today. Time went by and changed into many forms, but Smyrna is the only city from the seven early Churches which stands still and prosperous. Christianity never leaves Smyrna, it reveals the fulfillment God's promise to His faithful believers.
We may have nothing in this world which can guarantee our future or no one who will intercede for us. We're oppressed, scorned and our right is taken just because of our faith and integrity in Christ. Be calm, as God said to the church in Smyrna, now the same words He says to you "I KNOW" (verse 9). God knows our hardship and how we are chocked by worldly things. God wants us to know that what we have in Christ is far more precious than anything in this world. We must look forward beyond our hardship to His destination for our lives. So, rise and become the faithful warrior of God who fights till the end.
REFLECTION Saudara Terkasih, GOD knows your suffering. KEEP FIGHTING and BE FAITHFUL TILL THE END, and He will give you THE CROWN OF LIFE.
APPLICATION 1. What are you fighting for now? Do you have integrity in your struggle? 2. In your view, does God know your hardships and suffers? Why does He want you to keep fighting till the end? 3. How can you keep being faithful and fighting till the end?
TODAY'S PRAYER "Dear God, I believe You know all things I'm facing. God, enable me to stand in my struggle till the finish line. Let my life be the living witness and Your name is glorified through it. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen."
YEARLY BIBLE READING
Leviticus 24-25
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