Smyrna

To the church of Smyrna

“To the angel of the church in Smyrna write: 
These are the words of him who is the First and the Last, who died and came to life again.  
I know your afflictions and your poverty—yet you are rich! I know the slander of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan.  
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 the crown of life. 
He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. He who overcomes will not be hurt at all by the second death." 
                                       Revelations 2:8-11
Smyrna was closely allied with Rome and the practice of Emperor worship. There was also a large hostile Jewish population in the city both combined to make life for the Christians difficult.
Around the world today we have places that make it difficult for Christians to live. At the same time many of these churches are not rich in a worldly sense but are in a spiritual sense.
I listen to some televangelist in the media here in North America and they say the church here in the west is under attack. That it is becoming harder to be a Christian. That may be so but it is nowhere near as hard as it is in places like Saudi Arabia, North Korea, or Afghanistan.
Here the church of Smyrna is told it will suffer for a brief time. But many Christians in the world are suffering every day.
The reward however is a crown of life.
The crown referred to here is not that of a kingly crown that is inherited but rather a garland or wreath awarded to the winner in athletic contests.
This is a crown that is awarded for meritorious conduct. A crown of eternal life for faithful service.
Think about it