11/8/25

Jesus speaking to the Church at Smyrna says this. Revelation 2:9a NASB95 ‘I know your tribulation and your poverty (but you are rich).

Most churches have gone through a period of tribulation and financial struggle because the church (body of believers in Christ) has gone through this.

In the United States, our definition of tribulation and financial struggle often lacks the meaning that most people around the world associate with these concepts. Even today, in many countries in Africa, Asia, South America, and even Europe, the church suffers tribulation that often comes with torture to the point of, and often including, death. These Churches often have financial struggles that include having their children confiscated and used as slave labor to satisfy their debts. Tribulation is so severe that the church must meet in secret places to avoid persecution. Not persecution such as ridicule and being ignored but physical danger and imprisonment. We are not talking about poverty meaning you have no place to live and beg for food, but you have to hide for fear of torture because you don't trust the other homeless not to turn you in and you eat weeds in the jungle because you can't come to town to rummage through a garbage can for food.

It is in this kind of tribulation and poverty that Jesus says you are rich. How can this be? John explains that all the physical and material things of this world will perish but life in Christ is eternal.

1 John 2:15-17 NASB95 Do not love the world nor the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world. The world is passing away, and also its lusts; but the one who does the will of God lives forever.

Your possession in Christ is everlasting!

Paul tells Timothy, 1 Timothy 6:17-19 NASB95 Instruct those who are rich in this present world not to be conceited or to fix their hope on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly supplies us with all things to enjoy. Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, storing up for themselves the treasure of a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is life indeed.

Life eternal in Christ is indeed the greatest of value. More than silver, gold, food, home, family, or any other thing we possess here on this earth. Yes, I said even family! For they are not your husband or wife. They are not your children or grandchildren in eternity. For in eternity we have a new family full of brothers and sisters, who are children of the Father.

Jesus knows our tribulation and our poverty in this world. He knows the church's struggles, but He also knows the riches of eternal life in Him. He says in Revelation 2:9a NASB95 ‘I know your tribulation and your poverty (but you are rich).

I know, I understand, I went to the cross and I have lain in the grave, believe me, I get it! However, church I am telling you. I have also walked out of the grave to life evermore, and I am telling you that you are rich.

In the middle of your tribulation and poverty Jesus wants you to realize your wealth in HIM.

Love Bro. Scott

P.S.: If you don't have this wealth, please reach out to me. Jesus also tells everyone that they can have the wealth of eternal life. I would love to share that word with you.

I would love to share my wealth in Jesus!