July 27, 2023: Second Death, Can't Touch Me

"... The one who conquers will not be hurt by the second death.'" (Revelation 2:11, ESV)

The church of Smyrna is the second of seven churches that Jesus addresses in Revelation 2 and 3. Smyrna received no words of correction from Jesus, only affirmation and encouragement! Jesus knew life was very hard for them amid tribulation and extreme poverty. He encourages them, "Do not fear what you are about to suffer...be faithful unto death." Be faithful unto death???
    
Smyrna was one tough sold out church to Jesus! Jesus tells them, "It is going to get worse." Smyrna stands all the more boldly. Some believers cannot imagine having to suffer for Jesus, not Smyrna. She was madly in love with her Saviour.
    
To the church of Smyrna, Jesus speaks the promise, "When you overcome the synagogue of Satan, you will not be hurt by the second death." What is the second death? Eternal separation from God. Spiritually speaking, the second death is like the death Adam and Eve experienced and every sinner after them; separation from God. The second death is reserved exclusively for those who have rejected Christ. Not Christians following Christ. This church would rather die for Jesus than be eternally separated from God. Believers do not have to fear the second death.
    
What a promise to receive while facing death! Stand firm in Christ. Overcome Satan, and you will never have to fear the second death; eternal separation from God.