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; 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. 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. 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.

The letter to the church at Smyrna comes from Jesus, who declares Himself as "the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive." This description highlights Christ's eternal nature and affirms His sovereignty over life and death. Jesus holds the keys to Death and Hell, a comforting truth for the persecuted church at Smyrna.

The name Smyrna means "myrrh," an embalming spice, which seems prophetic as this church underwent immense suffering. Faith in Christ cost these believers their livelihoods and social standing. Poverty and imprisonment plagued them. Even so, Jesus calls them rich, for while poor in earthly goods, they overflowed in spiritual wealth and heavenly hope.

Unlike most of the seven churches, Smyrna received no rebuke from Jesus, only praise. Despite intense adversity, they remained faithful to the point of death. Their endurance reflected the true riches of knowing Christ.

However, more suffering loomed ahead. Jesus warned of coming imprisonment and persecution. This forecasted tribulation would "try" them as fire refines gold. Some may face death for clinging to Jesus' name. Yet He urges them to remain faithful, even to the point of martyrdom. The crown of life awaits those who endure temptation and die in Christ.

Centuries later, Smyrna remains a thriving city, just as the church Jesus addressed has survived. This church heeded Christ's call to faithfulness amid affliction. When faithfulness costs our reputations, jobs, freedoms, or even our lives, Smyrna reminds us that eternal riches in Christ far outweigh temporal losses.

Like Smyrna, believers today often face ridicule and loss for standing firm in Jesus. But He is the ultimate Overcomer, worth any sacrifice. Times of testing refine and strengthen our faith. Suffering has a way of clarifying what's most important - knowing and serving Christ.

Let us press on faithfully, no matter the cost, encouraged by Smyrna's example. Our true wealth is an intimate relationship with the risen and unconquerable King. Even if we lose everything in this life, the crown of life is reserved for us. Jesus will uphold us with His righteous right hand.

As this letter ends, Jesus again urges all listeners to hear what the Spirit says to the churches. God's words to Smyrna should speak to us today. When persecution comes, we must embrace it as an opportunity to testify of His love and proclaim Christ as supremely worth living - and dying - for. May our faith persist as gold refined, bringing glory to the One who is the First and the Last.