The similar refrain from Jesus is made here. Let him who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit is saying to the church. Many will not. Many will hear but not listen. Acknowledge but not apply. They will have no excuse when they stand before Christ. There is a striking verse in the Book of Job that asks, will you be able to lie to God as you do to man? The answer is always a resounding "no." We can convince ourselves through our lying wicked hearts that we are doing things here on earth "for Jesus" but when we stand before him we will not able to utter the words. We will know and He will know which we did here on earth for Him and which was for our own desires. Which gathered unto Him and which scattered away from Him. The encouragement ends however with a reminder that some will conquer. Some will have their faith tested and conquer. To those that persevere and overcome there will be no second death. The first death is the death of our body but then we stand for judgment and those not found in the Lamb's Book of Life will face an eternity apart from the God they wanted nothing to do with while alive. Those who have found the narrow way however, fear not! The Church at Smyrna may be a suffering church but it is also a conquering church! It represents all we can be and reminds us of the glorious promises we have from our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Reverend Anthony Wade -- October 28, 2016
