MORNING MANNA          1-12-21

In this letter to the church at Smyrna the Lord says, “Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer”. The natural response to that is “What?” How is that possible? What do you expect? But to make matters worse He tells them it will get worse – “behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days”. So we’re not talking about petty problems. It was a matter of suffering and death. In other words He is saying, even if life is as bad as it gets “fear none of these things”!

Then, right on the heels of that, the Lord says, “be thou faithful unto death”. That tells us that we are never excused from duty, regardless of the circumstances, cost, or consequences – even if it results in death. If that seems unfair to you, stop and think about who it is that is making the demand, and think about what He did for you. In light of that I’m forced to admit that no expectation is too unreasonable.

Now, if you are wondering why we should subject ourselves to such suffering and sacrifice ourselves for His sake, He tells us – “and I will give thee a crown of life.” That’s one of five crowns that we know about that we can win. Whatever that means, it is of immense value. I say that because it makes suffering and death worthwhile. And, knowing God why should we need any other explanation? He cannot lie.

Yet, sadly, we tend to murmur and complain about our trials and sometimes even desert our duties due to difficulties and danger. Truth is, there is never a reason for us to complain, nor to disobey His commands. We are to accept what He allows, do as He commands, yield to His wishes, and rejoice all the while. Our pain and suffering is but for a moment. Our relief and reward is forever! As the old song says, “It pays to serve Jesus”. Indeed it does! – HDS

David Stone
Lakeway Baptist Church
5801 FM 1960 E
Humble, TX. 77346
www.lakewaybaptist.org