Scripture Union Daily Guide 1 January 2023 | Devotional

Daily Guide 4th August 2022 | Scripture Union

by admin August 4, 2022

written by admin

SCRIPTURE UNION DAILY GUIDE 4TH AUGUST 2022 DEVOTIONAL

Topic: Be faithful to the end

Opening Prayer: Open my eyes O Lord that I might behold wondrous things from your word in Jesus name.

Question(s) for Reflection
• Is there any example for me to follow or not to follow?
• What truth is God revealing to me in this passage?

The city of Smyrna, just 25 miles from Ephesus, was noted for vibrant trade business. The church, however, struggled against “afflictions and poverty,” as well as occultism, including “wolves in sheep clothes” referred to as “a synagogue of Satan” (v.9). The Lord does not rebuke them for any wrongdoing; instead, He encourages them on account of the persecution awaiting them.

Jesus notes that although the church in Smyrna is poor, they should consider themselves rich. What riches? Certainly, not earthly wealth! The rich inheritance God has “kept in heaven for us will neither perish, spoil, nor fade” (1 Peter 1:4). We learn in v.10 of the danger ahead of Smyrna and the encouragement the Lord gives them (v.10). The Lord’s admonition to us in time of distress is to be faithful to the end to receive the crown of life.

As Jesus declares, “The one who is victorious (who will not give up but will hold on faithfully to the end) will not be hurt at all by the second death” (v.11)?the place of torment without God, prepared for Satan and his angels (Matthew 25:41; Revelation 20:14). Through the centuries, including contemporary experience, Christians have suffered violence, imprisonment, even death. But the Lord encourages the Smyrna church and all believers: “Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer.”

• Any new insight or reinforcement of what you already know?

Closing Prayer
• Lord, in time of persecution and suffering, please help me to be true and faithful in my walk with you.

Offer a prayer of faith in line with
Isaiah 43:2; Isaiah 31‐33