REVELATION 2:10
Read Revelation 2:10.
That they were afraid is clear in the Greek – lit. “stop being afraid.” The afflictions they had suffered brought fear to what the future might hold for them. As often seems the case, God doesn’t reward their past and current faithfulness with relief, but with more trials. Don’t get me wrong, but if I received this message from Jesus, I am sure those words, “do not fear” might seem a little trite! But that seems to be God’s modus operandi. Look at what’s coming their way:
- Imprisonment for some
- Tribulation for 10 days (details unknown)
- Possibly death (as in “be faithful until death”)
Why would God put faithful people who are already facing hardship through even more? I believe the answer is found in this verse. First, imprisonment is meant to test them – not to show their unfaithfulness, but to prove their faithfulness. Of course God knows their faithfulness already, but sometimes we need to prove it to ourselves that we are truly His and to know He is truly with us. It strengthens our faith while proving its genuineness. Second, I would like to suggest that the testing Jesus is referring to isn’t just those who will be imprisoned, but to the entire church. The “you” to be tested was the church. And I believe God puts people among us through hardships to test us all to prove our faithfulness. How we respond to others who are suffering in our midst is a test of our faith. And lastly, God has a bigger plan for our life. It is to receive the “crown of life” when this life is over. What we experience here is simply preparation for eternity. Just as a parent would never want to keep their child from growing, they know that their responsibility is to raise their child to prepare them for life ahead. God’s plans are no different. The suffering and hardships we face today will not go unnoticed or unrewarded.
So the next time God says to you in the midst of an onslaught, “do not fear”, recognize that it is not because He wants to make your life miserable. God is interested in strengthening and developing your faith and the faith of others. He wants you to look ahead to eternal things, which are so much better.
