2:8 And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive;

Obviously Jesus is speaking.

Revelation 2:9 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.

There were and are Unbelieving Jew’s who were cut from the Olive Tree, who followed the way of Judas, that we may inherit their riches in glory. But even now many of us seem poor. Our labor at times seems in vein, and we are tested by various Tribulations. Yet the word must go out.

Revelation 2:10 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.

James 1:12 Blessed are those who endure when they are tested. When they pass the test, they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. (GOD’S WORD)

Revelation 2:11 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death. (KJV)

If we can neither add to or take away from this word, where does it take us as stated? Do we have ears to hear this message from our Lord, and if so what is it saying to you?

Matthew 24:9 Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name’s sake.

Matthew 24:10 And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another.

Matthew 24:11 And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many.

Matthew 24:12 And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.

Matthew 24:13 But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. (KJV)

Many see these days as being among the last for mankind. They call for Rapture, but few call for endurance.

Tell me can we endure Jesus words in this book which can neither be added to or taken away from? Can we endure our own times of trouble from the world?

Is this message too hard for the church to hear today? Is it relevant?

Some tell us that the words of Jesus in Matthew 24 were not for the church, but instead were for the Jews as He was speaking to His Jewish disciples, but what do they do with this word to the church of Smyrna? Is it not a very similar word to Matthew, and I can neither add to it or take from it. Do we hear it today?

Lord I pray that you will strengthen the inner resolve of those of us who believe and hear your word for the days appear to be advancing with more evil. Our strength cometh from the Lord who made the heavens and the earth. It is difficult to tell from the Revelation just how effective the Gospel will be in changing lives during those evil days spoken of. We do know that believers will be bold for the Lord Jesus even unto death. We do know that Israel having been purged will finally get it. We do know that there is a last gentile whom God is looking for to be saved before that occurs.

Our job in getting out God’s message is to go on even in the midst of persecution even until the end of the age.

Matthew 24:14 And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come. (KJV)

We are weak, but God is proclaimed with strength due to our weakness.