“I know your works, your tribulations, and your poverty—but you are rich; and I know the blasphemy of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation for ten days. Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.”
(Revelation, ch. 2, vs. 9-10*, bolding is ours)
You may have experienced it, or maybe you have talked to people who have shared that after doing something good or showing faithfulness to God's word and principles, something unpleasant and inexplicable came upon them shortly after.
It seems illogical for us to find ourselves in situations of turmoil and confusion after doing something good. Whether because we think we do not deserve it or because we are not mentally prepared for it, such unpleasant developments come as a surprising and disturbing shock. How should we understand the fact that troubles may come into our lives after we do something good?
If we look at the first two verses, which begin this message, we will see what God the Father says through Apostle John to the church in Smyrna. It is a prophecy of impending persecution and suffering that will come upon the church, whose works, suffering, and poverty God Himself acknowledges and keeps track of. Clearly, the Smyrnans are pure, humble, and faithful God-followers who will undergo a test and tribulation which:
1) Have no cause-and-effect relation with their way of life and behavior
If you have done what is right and can be compared to the principles found in the Holy Scriptures, even if you suffer immediately afterward, accept it as a counter-reaction from the enemy. Of course, not every difficulty and unpleasantness in our lives is an attack from the devil. Sometimes, they may be logical consequences of our unwise decisions. But if we have examined our behavior against God and people and our conscience does not condemn us, most likely it is the response of an enraged enemy.
2) Appear as a test
Interestingly, the passage states that the devil will throw some of the believers in Smyrna into prison to test or tempt them, as the verb is translated from Greek. Since the verb also includes the idea of temptation, the Bulgarian translation conveys that the devil is the one who will test/tempt them. The verb, however, is in the passive voice, meaning that for the Smyrnans, it is literally said that they will be tested. The devil is merely a tool in their test, which is allowed by God Himself. In times of trial, you may ask why God allows this to happen to you, why it seems He gives the enemy power to harm you. Here is the answer: “Rejoice in this, even if you have to suffer a little while in various trials. In this way, your faith will be tested, proving to be more valuable than gold, which perishes even though it is refined by fire, for praise, glory, and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.” (First Epistle of Apostle Peter, ch. 1, vs. 6-7*, bolding is ours). Like any test, trials lead to the consolidation of what you've learned, proving to yourself that you know something. Whatever God permits for His children always leads to praise, glory, and honor in the future life, so it is for good.
3) Have a deadline
As seen in the examined passage from Revelation and other parts of the Bible, such as the book of the prophet Jeremiah and the book of the prophet Daniel, we see that God gives prophecies with a deadline. When the Lord prophesizes to the people of Israel that they will be taken into captivity during Jeremiah's time, He says: “For thus says the Lord: 'After seventy years are completed at Babylon, I will visit you and perform My good word toward you and cause you to return to this place. For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'” (Jeremiah, ch. 29, vs. 10-11*, bolding is ours). Daniel, on the other hand, sees a vision of the last days where God shows him four beasts representing four kingdoms, the last of which has several horns or kings. About one of the horns, it is said: “He will speak against the Most High and oppress the holy people of the Most High and will try to change the set times and the laws, and the holy people will be delivered into his hands for a time, times, and half a time.” (The Book of the Prophet Daniel, ch. 7, vs. 25*, bolding is ours).
Every trial and temptation has a deadline. Every counterattack from the adversary of our souls is allowed and controlled by God Himself, Who is on our side. Everything that seems cruel, unjust, unexpected, or unbearable at first glance has a deadline, happens under God's control, and will make you stronger, closer to God, and more mature. It will make you an experienced warrior.
Thought for the week: Do not fear the counterattack when doing good. It is a sign that you are effective in God's army against the enemy of our souls.
*Biblical quotes are according to the text of the Bible, new translation from the original languages © Bulgarian Bible Society 2013.
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