Revelation 2:10
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 life as your victor’s crown.

No words of accusation are given to the congregation in Smyrna! God assured them that He knew the devil’s plans and was in complete control of the situation.

Their tribulation would not be long; ten days signifies “a brief time”. The important thing was faithfulness, standing true to Christ no matter what the government might threaten to do.

It costs to be a dedicated Christian, in some places more than others. As end-time pressures increase, persecution will also increase, and God’s people need to be ready.

Application

Pray for the government and the persecution that you are aware of.