“But thou art rich.” Revelation 2:9
Real saints always feel themselves to be poor sinners. Many of God’s people are really poor in reference to the things of time, for God hath chosen the poor of this world, rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which He hath promised to them that love Him. They are often persecuted, tried, tempted and cast down; so was the church in Smyrna; but Jesus says to her, “THOU ART RICH.” So are all the Lord’s people. Rich by RELATION–God is their Father, and Jesus their elder Brother. Rich by DONATION–Jesus has bequeathed unsearchable riches to them. Rich by PROMISES–the Lord has promised all good things. Rich by FAITH–for he that believeth shall inherit all things. Rich in EXPECTATION–for they look for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God. Believer, thou art rich; Jesus has willed to thee His righteousness, to justify thee; His blood, to cleanse thee; His Spirit to sanctify thee; His name to procure for thee; His angels to minister unto thee; and His heaven to be thy everlasting habitation. Precious Saviour! I would admire and adore Thy love! O teach me to live out of self on Thy fullness! (James Smith, 1840)
