Don't Lose Your Courage and Conviction

Daily Scripture Threshing for Saturday, February 1, 2025

Today's Text: Revelation 2:8-11

Key Verse: Revelation 2:10b (ESV), "...Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life."

In today's passage, Jesus Christ commends the church in Smyrna for their faithfulness and encourages them to remain steadfast in the face of persecution and suffering. He promises that those who are faithful unto death will receive the crown of life. As we continue our 16-part series honoring the 21 Coptic Martyrs, we reflect on their unwavering courage and conviction in the face of brutal persecution. Despite being given the opportunity to renounce their faith and save their lives, they boldly proclaimed their allegiance to Jesus Christ.

Our text this morning is part of the letter to the church in Smyrna, one of the seven churches in Asia, addressed by Jesus Christ through the apostle John. Smyrna was a major city in ancient Asia Minor, known for its beauty, wealth, and strong Jewish community. Believers in such a city enjoy such beauty and glory but needs the risen Lord’s encouragement because they were about to pass from such scenery in to an impending persecution and suffering. "The devil is about to throw some of you into prison." Warns the risen Lord. Satan, is the ultimate source of persecution and suffering. The phrase "throw into prison" implies a violent and sudden brutal treatment that some of them will face.

The purpose is to test their faith, reveal its genuineness, and refine their character. The duration of the tribulation is specified as ten days symbolically to indicate that it will all be but for a short time no matter how intense the tribulation or affliction. Jesus exhorts us to remain faithful even in the face of death, and we will receive the crown of life. Nrver lose your courage regardless of persecution and suffering. The 21 Coptic Martyrs were not ancient men; they were real postmodern men whose example of standing firm when faced with challenges and adversity we can emulate. We must not lose our courage and conviction, knowing that our reward is eternal life with Jesus Christ.

Action Steps: Reflect on areas where you need to strengthen your courage and conviction. Pray for believers facing persecution, asking God to grant them boldness and faithfulness. Ask God to help you remain steadfast in your faith, even in the face of adversity.

Quote for the Day: "The ultimate test of faith is not how loudly we profess it, but how quietly we live it out." (Simon Olatunji #quotablequote)

Let Us Pray: Dear Heavenly Father, I come before You today, moved and touched by the courage and conviction of the 21 Coptic Martyrs as we prepare to commemorate their 10th anniversary of martyrdom on February 15. Grant me the boldness and faithfulness to stand firm in my faith, even in the face of adversity. May I never lose my courage and conviction, knowing that my reward is eternal life with Jesus Christ — in Jesus' mighty name. Amen.

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Thank you for being part of this journey. For additional reading, see: Matthew 5:10-12; 2 Timothy 3:12; and Revelation 20:4.

Daily Scripture Threshing is a devotional guide written for free distribution and edification of churches, homes, and individuals. For inquiries, free counseling, or deliverance, please, write or visit: The Darling Bishop, 2321 S Beltline Rd Suite 144 Grand Prairie TX 75051 USA.

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With all my love and prayers,

Rev Simon Wale Olatunji, Ph.D.

Your Darling Bishop (DaBishop)

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