Daily Devotional with Dr. Duane Brooks
September 27, 2017
Revelation 2:10
Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you life as your victor’s crown.
New International Version (NIV)
               “Do not fear.”  Even those words can spark concern.  Is something frightening about to happen?  We may wonder, “Exactly what is it that I am not supposed to fear?”  The more important question is:  who is telling me not to be afraid?  Do they have the authority to give me the courage I need?
                In his letters to the seven churches, Jesus spoke to the church in Smyrna.  Notice he identifies himself in v. 8 as the “First and the Last who died and came to life again.”  Jesus the risen Lord is speaking.  More, he knows what the believers in Smyrna are enduring.  Jesus knows their afflictions and their poverty, but he also knows how rich they are in relationship with him (2:9). 
                What are they about to suffer?  Imprisonment and persecution.  This sounds like a  good reason to be afraid.  Where is the encouragement?  The suffering will only be for a season.  There will be an end to it.  Even better, Jesus who keeps his promises asks them to be faithful even to the point of death so that he may give them life as their victor’s crown.  It is subtle.  We must read closely not to miss it.  When the end of our suffering comes, Jesus will be there crowning us with life.  As Jesus stood in honor of the first martyr Stephen, he stands ready to welcome his faithful servants home.
Pray with me:
Father, we thank you that you are near us and you know our needs.  Even though we walk through the valley of the shadow of death we will not fear for you are with us.  Help us to live life with you today.   Make us faithful as you are faithful.   In Jesus’ name we pray.   
I want to invite you to join me in memorizing 52 passages this year from the 2017 set of Fighter Verses.  You can find the Fighter Verses App at the App Store on your phones or via this link  http://fighterverses.com/the-verses/fighter-verses/.  As we study the Bible this year, let's look at each text and learn what it says about God. 
Joyfully, 
Duane 
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