Rev.2:10,11 – Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life. The one who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. The one who overcomes will not be hurt by the second death.’
The martyrs play a critical role in the book of Revelation. Apparently the martyrs are connected to the harvest of the last days as well as God serving up justice to the wicked. Today’s verse is from the letter John wrote to the church in Smyrna. We should pay close attention here, John had a disciple by the name of Polycarp. Polycarp was the pastor in Smyrna and here is his prayer he prayed the day that he was killed. I am sure Polycarp had this letter that had been written to him by John in his thoughts that day.
“O Lord God Almighty, Father of thy beloved and blessed Child, Jesus Christ, through whom we have received full knowledge of thee, God of angels and powers, and of all creation, and of the whole family of the righteous, who live before thee, I bless thee that thou hast granted unto me this day and hour, that I may share, among the number of the martyrs, in the cup of thy Christ, for the resurrection to eternal life, both of soul and body in the immortality of the Holy Spirit. And may I today be received among them before thee, as a rich and acceptable sacrifice, as thou, the God without falsehood and of truth, hast prepared beforehand and shown forth and fulfilled. For this reason I also praise thee for all things. I bless thee, I glorify thee through the eternal and heavenly High Priest, Jesus Christ, thy beloved Child, through whom be glory to thee with him and the Holy Spirit, both now and for the ages that are to come. Amen.”
The Christian martyrs play a key role in God’s plans on the earth. Revelation 6 records their prayers and the effect they have on the world. Apparently these prayers effect the harvest of the earth and are also connected to the judgement of God being held back until the very end. This martyrdom is also connected to a heavenly reward. The Lord has something He calls the crown of life reserved for martyrs. This will be the greatest of all treasures reserved for those who paid the ultimate price for the sake of the gospel.
3 thoughts on “FAITHFUL UNTO DEATH”
How is this level of intimacy obtained? “He holds back no good thing” I guess as was said the other night “get down and pull weeds” Diligence has it’s rewards.
Holy Spirit,
I know God have a plan for my life. Move upon me each new day to preach the truth of His goodness. Give me a boldness to speak truth and life into the lives of your people. Grant me courage to not back down against the adversities of people who have no understanding of who You are. Give me wisdom to prophesy into their hearts the hope which can be found in only You. Give my words a countenance of Your peace, Your joy, and Your love as I speak. Amen.
Amen