The Daily Word: Friday, December 10th, 2021
Amos 1:1-3:15
Revelation 2:1-17
Psalm 129:1-8
Proverbs 29:19-20
For full text click here.
Commentary from Pastor Michael White:
“Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.” – Rev. 2:10
Jesus never said you will not suffer. But He did say you will not have to fear suffering. Here Jesus, through the apostle John, told the persecuted church in Smyrna (a city just north of Ephesus near the modern-day city of Izmir, Turkey) that the devil would throw them into prison! They would be tested with “tribulation ten days.” But if they endured and kept their faith in Jesus, He would give them the crown of life.
You were not just created for life here on earth. You were created for eternity. Any suffering you experience on this Earth for the sake of the Gospel[1] will last but a moment compared to the eternal reward God has for you in Heaven. Do not fear. Because anything the enemy can ever throw at you – prison, persecution, and even death – was already conquered by Jesus on His cross.
Prayer:
Father, thank You for creating me to live free from fear! I will not fear any plans the enemy has for me. I will cancel them with my prayers, and I will overcome them with my faith! I will serve You with my life, without fear, in Jesus’ name.
© Michael D. White, 2021. All rights reserved.
[1] Just make sure it’s for His sake and not pointless! “For to you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake…” – Phil. 1:29