How would you like to be part of a church toward which Jesus had not even one negative thing to say? There is nothing to criticize. There is no need for repentance. Such is the church in Smyrna, but we might stop and think before we too quickly say we want our churches to look like this.
Peter has been reminding us of the necessity of suffering, but suffering simply cannot be enjoyed for its own sake. Here he draws our attention to the glory that awaits us as God’s people in the presence of our Lord.
There is a difference between the apostles and us on the point of suffering. We essentially thank the Lord that we don’t have to suffer for His sake. They thanked the Lord when they did.
What we say and do in times of adversity can have more impact than what we say and do when all is going well. Times of suffering can be perfect opportunities to bear witness to the Lordship of Jesus Christ.
Central Reflections 