How Rich are You?

Revelations 2:8-9
“And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write: ‘The first and the last, who was dead, and has come to life, says this: ‘I know your tribulation and your poverty (but you are rich)…’”

While reading through the book of Revelation, I was struck by this simple phrase that John records the angel saying in parenthesis: “But you are rich!” Profound. The Smyrna church is suffering tribulation and poverty and yet John brings to their attention the fact that they are rich. Rich in what? They are suffering and withstanding much persecution and John adds a simple reminder in the midst of it all for the church to reflect on how they are rich. Rich in the eyes of the world would mean possessing many worldly goods, but this rich means that we are rich because of our faith.

In whatever state we are in…whether we think we are in poverty by our lack of resources, or actually suffering the loss of all things, or simply anxious about the lack of things, or suffering under trials and struggles…the truth that stands forth is this command to reflect upon how truly indeed you are rich. We must counteract the negative thinking in regards to our circumstances with this reflection upon the truly positive events and blessings that have been poured out upon us.

How am I truly rich today?

1. I have been given the grace of God! Forgiveness and everlasting love from the Maker of the Universe.
2. I have been given everything I need to fulfill the will of God for my life at the present moment.
3. I have shelter over my head and a wonderful husband that is providing so diligently for me and our baby.

To name a few.

It may not appear rich in the eyes of the world, but before God, the precious blood of Christ makes us perfectly clean and righteous before Him, eternity is being prepared for us, making us rich indeed!