The Crown of Life for Martyrs of Jesus

This morning as I thought about you who read this blog and also the many brothers and sisters we have worldwide who are suffering for their faith in Christ Jesus, I wanted to remind you of a passage of scripture that speaks to the church who is persecuted for Jesus.

In Revelation 2:8-11 we see the Lord's letter to the church in Smyrna, and I want you to read this and let it encourage your hearts.  Note that the Lord never rebuked this church, as He did others.  But He also told them that some would die for their faith in Him.  We know that happens today and we can rejoice when a family member goes home to be with Christ through martyrdom, because we know they will be rewarded with the crown of Life.

Rev 2:8 - 11 "And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write: The first and the last, who was dead, and has come to life, says this: 'I know your tribulation and your poverty (but you are rich), and the blasphemy by those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. 'Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to cast some of you into prison, so that you will be tested, and you will have tribulation for ten days. Be faithful until 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 by the second death.'