Thought for November 24, 2023

•  1859: Darwin publishes "On the Origen of Species"
• 1874: Joseph Glidden patents barbed wire [later founds paint company]
• 1896: First absentee voting law [Vermont]
• 1954: First Air Force One christened
• 1960: Wilt Chamberlain has 55 rebounds in a game
• 1964: Missionaries Bill McChesney and Jim Rodgers are seized by rebels in the Congo and beaten then stomped to death
• 1969: William Calley charged with the massacre at My Lai
• 1874: SALT-2 Treaty signed
• 1993: Brady Bill passes--5 day waiting period for hand gun purchases
• 1993: End of the world according to Ukrainian sect, White Brotherhood.
• Born: Junipero Serra [established first mission in California], Zachery Taylor, Scott Joplin, Dale Carnegie, Lucky Luciano, Forest Ackeman [coined the term "sci-fi"], William F Buckley, Oscar Robertson, Spencer Johnson ["Who Moved My Cheese"], Ted Bundy, Todd Beamer
• Died: John Knox, Diego Rivera, Lee Harvey Oswald, Dodie Smith [wrote "101 Dalmatians"], Warren Spahn, Arthur Hailey, Florence Henderson

On this day in 851, Flora and Maria were beheaded in Cordoba Spain. The Moors controlled Spain and allowed Christianity, but no criticism of Mohammad. A monk offered to convert to Islam if the magistrate would instruct him in its tenets. Hearing the story of Mohammad's visions, the monk said "The wretch lied in all this" Anyone who follows these teaching will end up in hell with Mohammad. The monk was beheaded. A couple of days pass and a man named Sancho delivers the same message and is beheaded. Next, Flora walks to the magistrate meeting a nun named Maria on her way. They speak against Mohammad, are imprisoned and threatened with prostitution. They were beheaded followed over the next 10 months by 30 others who dared confront the false teachings. 

Thought: 

The letter to Smyrna in Revelation 2:8-11 is the shortest of the 7 letters. It is the only letter without a reprimand or correction. Why? Smyrna is about 35 miles from Ephesus and is now Izmir Turkey. This is the only mention in the New Testament. We think Paul founded the church here during his third journey. The church lived in a city known for emperor worship with a large Temple to Tiberius. There was also a Temple to Zeus. The city was proud calling itself on its coins "First City of Asia in Size and Beauty." The city rose from the harbor up Mt. Pagus to a top that looked like a crown. Notice what the letter says:

• From the one who was dead and is now alive. The large Jewish population persecuted the Christians. Many were killed, so this is a word of encouragement that those who died in the flesh still live in the Spirit with Christ.
• Notice that Jesus says He knows about the persecution, He knows how they are blasphemed and He knows how poor they are--but they are rich. They were blasphemed by the Jews who claimed they were cannibals because of communion; lived in debauchery because they ate meals together. Sounds like today where many accuse the church and Christians of many things that are false--bigots, biased, narrow-minded. But they are rich in the spirit. Sounds like Jesus reminded us not to store up things that rust and fade but things that are of eternal significance. You might compare the things said of the Macedonian Christians in 2 Corinthians 8:1-5.
• The promise from Jesus--do not fear the trials are short and eternity is long. Some think the tribulation for 10 days mentioned in 2:10 relates to the 10 days in prison before execution or delivery to the gladiators. Keep the faith until death and receive the crown of life. For those looking up the mountain to its crown this would be an encouragement. And not hurt by the second death--hell and separation from God.

Thinking about this church and asking if this letter could be sent to me today. Am I faithful under trials, persecution, temptation? Lord increase my faith. 

Blessings

Larry