The Vanity

“Let us, therefore, forsake the vanity of the crowd and their false teachings, and turn back to the Word delivered to us from the beginning.” (St. Polycarp, Bishop of Smyrna)

This is what you must write to the angel of the church in Smyrna: I am the first and the last. I died, but now I am alive! Listen to what I say.  I know how much you suffer and how poor you are, but you are rich. I also know the cruel things being said about you by people who claim to be Jews. But they are not really Jews.

They are a group that belongs to Satan. Don’t worry about what you will suffer. The devil will throw some of you into jail, and you will be tested and made to suffer for ten days. But if you are faithful until you die, I will reward you with a glorious life.  If you have ears, listen to what the Spirit says to the churches. Whoever wins the victory will not be hurt by the second death. (Revelation 2:8-11, CEV)

The Greek word translated Smyrna was used to interpret the Hebrew word for myrrh. Myrrh is a resinous substance used as a perfume for the living (Matthew 2:11) and the dead (John 19:39). Its association with death perfectly pictures the suffering church at Smyrna. Like myrrh (produced by crushing a fragrant plant) the church in Smyrna was crushed by persecution. They gave off a fragrant aroma of faithfulness to God

An ancient town of Ionia, Smyrna, was a seaport city located about 40 miles north of Ephesus. It is situated at the head of a deep gulf on the western coast of Asia Minor, and is known for its harbors, commerce, and marketplaces. The primary ruins of ancient Smyrna include its massive city market (agora) and underground sanitation system. They are located in the middle of the modern city of Izmir in Turkey. Modern day Smyrna is now the chief city of Anatolia. It has a mixed population of about 200,000 people (one-third are professed Christians).

The modern church today (like that of ancient Smyrna) should be encouraged with John’s message to the Smyrna body of believers. We all need to be encouraged in the midst of our suffering so our own life can be one of victory (instead of defeat). Can you relate to the good news below? Be assured of these four items in your own life (just like the church of Smyrna was long ago):

1.   You are truly rich.

“If you want to feel rich, just count all of the things you have that money can't buy.”
(Anonymous)

2.   I know what you’re going through.

“When people don't know your pain, they won’t understand your path. Just make sure you seek God’s guidance to ensure that you are truly walking in the right direction.” (@StephanSpeaks)

3.   This will be over soon.

“You are going to be okay even when you feel unsure or confused about things. Still believe that everything will make sense soon.”  (Anonymous)

4.   Your reward is waiting for you.

“When we do the best that we can, we never know what miracle is wrought in our life, or in the life of another.” (Helen Keller)

 “Eighty and six years have [not] I served Christ, nor has He ever done me any harm. How, then, could I blaspheme my King who saved me… Bless Thee for deigning me worthy of this day, and this hour that I may be among Thy martyrs and drink the cup of my Lord Jesus Christ.” (St. Polycarp, Bishop of Smyrna)[i]

 

City of Smyrna

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[i] Inspired by the sermon “Dear Church, Remain Faithful” (installment two) Sunday, January 14, 2018 Pastor Dave Jansen CenterPoint Gahanna Church Gahanna, OH
 Additional sources used:

·        “Ancient Smyrna” (https://www.allaboutarchaeology.org/ancient-smyrna-faq.htm)

·        “Smyrna” (http://www.bible-history.com/links.php?cat=40&sub=688&cat_name=Bible+Cities&subcat_name=Smyrna)

·        “3. Smyrna -- The Suffering Church” by Janene Keeth