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PRAYER FOR TODAY
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Wed December 17 - Jesus is your greatest treasure “I know your afflictions and your poverty – yet you are rich!” Revelation 2:9
Smyrna in the 80s AD was a prosperous port city, closely allied with Rome. It had stunning architecture, covered colonnades, Roman temples, and the Mediterranean’s largest amphitheatre (which is still being excavated). But the Christians of multicultural Smyrna were poor and oppressed, apparently by religious and job discrimination, and must have felt pressured to forsake or compromise their faith for a safer, more prosperous life. The same pressures face us today – increasingly.
The Smyrnaeans were frightened, as we would be, by Romans demanding worship of false deities; Jewish synagogue-goers rejecting Jesus and effectively allying with Satan against them; and false teachers distorting the gospel truths handed down from Jesus’ disciples. Jesus commended the Smyrna believers’ ‘faith under fire’ – which evidenced their spiritual richness, and his power at work in their hearts and lives – and then reminded them of their heavenly riches in him.
We’re incredibly blessed that these treasures are ours too, in Jesus! We have his powerful living word and his Spirit living in us; we’re loved, saved, forgiven; we have peace with God and an eternal heavenly hope! The whole canon of scripture reveals how richly blessed we are in Christ! ‘Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly...’ (Colossians 3:16).
Churches can be financially wealthy but spiritually poor. God doesn’t rate us by our finances or status, but by our trusting in his word and promises. Is your church rich, or poor?
Precious Jesus, you are my greatest treasure! May your church today faithfully uphold your word, proclaiming the riches of your saving power and glory. Amen.
Thurs December 18 - Jesus commands your destiny “Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer... you will suffer
persecution for ten days.” Revelation 2:10
In ‘A Grief Observed’ CS Lewis says, ‘you never know how much you really believe anything until its truth or falsehood becomes a matter of life or death to you.’ With attacks on the Smyrna believers about to intensify, Jesus’ words, “Do not be afraid” are laden with love; he draws close, by his Spirit, through his soul-strengthening word. He, who suffered on the cross for his children, promises his strength when they suffer for him.
In the book of Revelation Jesus reveals the riches of God’s wisdom and love for us; he is in control of human history, of our churches, and of our individual lives! Jesus’ foreknowledge of the Smyrna believers’ persecution demonstrates his sovereign control over those events.
Suffering is part of the Christian life, but ‘glory’ has the final word: ‘Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you... but rejoice in as much as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed’ (1 Peter 4:12-13). We will not always understand the purpose, but Jesus’ transcendent power and love are always at work, for his eternal glory, our eternal good, and to bless others. The Smyrnaeans were praised for their steadfast faithfulness to Christ, which inspired others then – and now! Let’s pray today for those we know who suffer for Christ.
Lord Jesus, please protect and strengthen [names......] with heavenly hope. May your presence be their greatest treasure. Amen.
PRAYER FOR TODAY