Jesus, who is eternal; from Him all things have come, and to Him all things must return. Jesus was dead, FOR THE REDEMPTION OF THE WORLD; and He is ALIVE TODAY, TO DIE NO MORE forever and ever. “And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things says the FIRST AND THE LAST, WHICH WAS DEAD, AND IS ALIVE;” (Rev. 2:8)
This may have been addressed to the bishop of this Church, Polycarp, he had to suffer much but would not die so, they brunt him alive at Smyrna, about the year 166. “Fear none of those things which you shall suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that you may be tried; and you shall have tribulation ten days: BE FAITHFUL UNTO DEATH, AND I WILL GIVE YOU A CROWN OF LIFE.” (Rev. 2:10)
Polycarp was brought before the judge, and commanded to shun and blaspheme Christ, but he firmly answered, “Eighty and six years have I served him, and he never did me wrong, HOW THEN CAN I BLASPHEME MY KING WHO HATH SAVED ME?” He was then sentenced to the fires, and suffered cheerfully for Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. “The Spirit itself bears witness with our spirit, that WE ARE the children of God: And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; IF SO BE THAT WE SUFFER WITH HIM, that we may be also GLORIFIED TOGETHER. For I suppose THAT THE SUFFERINGS OF THIS PRESENT TIME ARE NOT WORTHY TO BE COMPARED WITH THE GLORY WHICH SHALL BE REVEALED IN US.” (Rom. 8:16-18)
IN ALL THINGS GOD WORKS FOR THE GOOD OF THOSE WHO LOVE HIM…
-Bill Stockham