Based on Revelation 2:8-11 (New King James Version)
“And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write, ‘These things says the First and the Last, who was dead, and came to life: ‘I know your works, tribulation, and poverty (but you are rich); and I know the blasphemy of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. 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. ‘He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. He who overcomes shall not be hurt by the second death.’”
Everything has a price, and we are not necessarily talking about money. And whoever says contrary does not understand reality. For example, to be able to be a professional or reach goals that go beyond others, sacrifices must be made. A person that desires to be a great professional must work hard during their formative school years to learn what is necessary. After that, they need to go to a university and complete many years of study and pay a lot of money, and their effort only starts there because they need to continue gaining experience, they need to continue studying, they need to continue sacrificing time, money, and even personal relationships to be able to continue excelling in their profession. When a person fights for good things, a price is paid. When a person makes mistakes or does stupid things, a price is also paid. Nothing is free.
As a supreme example, the gift of salvation, what God did through Christ is free for us, but the price that God paid is incalculable. God the Father gave His only begotten Son as a sacrifice for all mankind, what was most precious to Him. The Lord Jesus paid the price of leaving His kingdom, His sublime and holy position, to take on our humble form, to live in poverty, and suffer the unthinkable when He died in the most horrible way a human being could die. And not only that, but also in order to complete His work, to be able to triumph over death, He had to descend to the lowest depths of the earth, to Abraham’s bosom, to Sheol, to raise those that were worthy from there, and also, as a testimony to those who were facing their eternal perdition; and from there be resurrected. I still do not comprehend why They would do such things for such insignificant beings like us, but that speaks even more of their greatness, goodness, and love.
Now then, salvation, the power to be born again in Christ is by grace, but within itself, it also bears a price. We do have to pay something costly, and if it were just about money (not that salvation can be purchased), it would be something simple. We are talking about greater and more important things than what is material when we talk about the price that could be paid for the Gospel of Christ, and this is of what we read today. It is very probable that many that are reading this will either suffer persecution, or already are suffering some form of persecution for their faith in Christ, especially considering all of the people in different countries in the world that see this ministry. This is what the Lord says in His Word: “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” John 16:33. People suffering legitimately for the Gospel (and I say “legitimately” because suffering for the Gospel has nothing to do with a person being a jerk, or obnoxious, or inappropriate, or not wise, and far less, suffering for errors and sins committed), are going through bad moments because of demonstrating the characteristics of Christ in their life, because of being faithful to the teachings in the Word; and finally, because they love God above everyone and everything else. When you suffer for the Lord, that does not make you less of a Christian, or that you have faith problems, or anything like that, but quite the contrary. That is why the Lord forewarned us, that we would have affliction in the world, because of faithfully following Him. This is what the Scriptures also say: “…Others were tortured, not accepting deliverance, that they might obtain a better resurrection. Still others had trial of mockings and scourgings, yes, and of chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, were tempted, were slain with the sword. They wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, tormented—of whom the world was not worthy. They wandered in deserts and mountains, in dens and caves of the earth. And all these, having obtained a good testimony through faith, did not receive the promise, God having provided something better for us, that they should not be made perfect apart from us.” Hebrews 11:35b-40. As followers of Christ, we will suffer persecution in the last times, the times we are living through today, as it is also written: “Now as He sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately, saying, ‘Tell us, when will these things be? And what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?’ And Jesus answered and said to them: ‘Take heed that no one deceives you. For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many. And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of sorrows. ‘Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations for My name’s sake. And then many will be offended, will betray one another, and will hate one another. Then many false prophets will rise up and deceive many. And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold. But he who endures to the end shall be saved.’” Matthew 24:3-13. So then, we will have affliction. We will suffer persecution. And we will live through tribulation. There is no doubt. But, we need to persevere until the end in order to get to the goal. The race must be finished. We must remain faithful to the Lord until we breathe our last, no matter what happens, and at any cost. We need to be willing to suffer for the Gospel.
Now, you may be asking yourself, who are these of the synagogue of Satan? To be able to answer, we see this: “From that time Jesus began to show to His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem, and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised the third day. Then Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him, saying, ‘Far be it from You, Lord; this shall not happen to You!’ But He turned and said to Peter, ‘Get behind Me, Satan! You are an offense to Me, for you are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men.’ Then Jesus said to His disciples, ‘If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.’” Matthew 16:21-24. Peter had a very bad moment, but for his own good, he repented and abandoned that evil path, and he was able to be faithful to the Lord until his death. But every person that supports the things of the flesh, and especially teaches things that put the flesh and the things of the world as a priority over God are of the synagogue of Satan. So then, you need to think very carefully with what you are exposing yourself to, and above all, what you are following and supporting because you may be very far away from the truth, even though it may seem good, positive, inspiring, etc. So, you should ask yourself this question, “Are you of the synagogue of Satan or are you truly fighting for, suffering for, and paying the price for the Gospel of Christ to be able to get to the eternal reward?” Lord bless! John