I'm not feeling very smart today...

I can hear your thoughts (Today????). I’ve got this article to write and a message to complete and both are to be thoughtful and witty and meaningful (yes that is what they are supposed to be (I really can hear your thoughts)). But I’m not feeling very smart or witty or insightful. So, I read from one who is all those things (I am pretty sure he is not that way everyday at least I hope not.)  His name is Max Lucado.

 For May 4 the scripture passage is Revelation 2: 8-11 NIV. Thank God for his word that is smart when I am NOT!

To the Church in Smyrna

⁸ “To the angel of the church in Smyrna write:
These are the words of him who is the First and the Last, who died and came to life again. ⁹ I know your afflictions and your poverty—yet you are rich! I know the slander of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. ¹⁰ Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life.
¹¹ He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. He who overcomes will not be hurt at all by the second death.

Max (we are close you know NOT) had a couple of thoughts and I will put them in my way.

·         Look who is writing (v.8) “the First and the Last, who died and came to life again.” Think he knows trouble and coming out on the other side? Better believe it! 

·         I Get It (v.9) I know your; afflictions, poverty, the slander of those!

·         Fear NOT suffering (v.10), it’s going to happen so don’t worry or be afraid.

·         Who (v.10) , the devil

·         What (v.10)  will put some of you in prison

·          Why (v.10) to test you

·         How long (v.10) you will suffer persecution for ten days.”

·         Be Faithful (v.10) it will be bad you might die

·         I got Your Back (v.10) “I will give you a crown of Life.” (v.11) “He who overcomes will not be hurt at all by the second death.

In all honesty who but Jesus could say these words and be believed? Only him, he lived it. He has authority in this area of suffering. He has authenticity. He has the t-shirt and the scars.

It’s going to be hard and full of suffering to walk behind Christ. No easy road but for the faithful a Crown of Life by the living one.

So as not to prolong your agony, I will end. I don’t have to be smart today (or any day for that matter).

I know Jesus!

Do you?

In HIS Service and Yours,

The Rev