On Tuesday, I remember that God is my Judge.

8"And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write: 'The words of(A) the first and the last,(B) who died and came to life.

9"'I know your tribulation and(C) your poverty ((D) but you are rich) and the slander[a] of those who say that they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. 10Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison,(E) that you may be tested, and for(F) ten days(G) you will have tribulation.(H) Be faithful(I) unto death, and I will give you(J) the crown of life. 11(K) He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.(L) The one who conquers will not be hurt by the second death.'” (Revelation 2:8-11)

Here Jesus is speaking directly to some of the churches in John’s time. To some, Jesus offers strong warnings of judgment unless they repent. To others, like this church, he has no warning, only compassion and encouragement. Here are some characteristics of this commendable group of Christians:

1. They are very poor.

2. They go through hard trials and slander.

3. They are going to go through even harder trials: arrests, torture, and death.

I can’t fathom this. I don’t know anything like this in America. But we know of churches in other places where this is true. But notice Jesus’ response to them. He judges them faithful and needing encouragement. God our Judge does not always condemn us. He notices our faithfulness, if we have it. He encourages where we need it. He is compassionate when we need it. That’s what these Christians needed, and Jesus had only good things to say to them.

Be encouraged today as you go through your trials and discouragements. God your Judge sees you and will encourage your faithfulness if you bear up and do not sin.

-- Charlie