七教會 (4)

七教會 (4)
聖經閱讀：啟示錄2:8-11 現代中譯本|合和本
2016年4月4日(一)

　在今天閱讀的經文中，約翰跟士每拿的基督徒分享耶穌的信息。士每拿是位於以弗所北方56公里的一個重要海港，有許多猶太人住在士每拿，那裡也有很多人崇拜羅馬神祉和皇帝堤庇留，這些人給士每拿的基督徒帶來許多困難。
第10a節告訴我們，真正在逼迫基督徒的是魔鬼：「不要怕你將要遇到的苦難。看哪，魔鬼要考驗你們，把你們當中的一些人投進監獄。」魔鬼希望基督徒不再跟隨上帝而去跟隨牠，但上帝卻使用這些逼迫來幫助我們變得更堅強。
當我們遇到麻煩或是受逼迫時，我們依舊可以透過耶穌得勝，上帝會祝福我們，我們最終的獎賞就是與祂同住。我鼓勵你今天和今後的每一天都要對祂持守忠心。 —DF

「你要忠心至死，我就賜給你生命的華冠。」 啟示錄2:10b

禱告：上帝，不管我今天遭遇什麼，我願對祢持守忠心。奉耶穌的名，阿們！

(周維音譯)

Seven Churches (4)
Bible Reading: Revelation 2:8-11
Monday, April 4, 2016

　In our Bible verses today, John shares Jesus' message with the Christians in Smyrna. The city of Smyrna was an important seaport 35 miles north of Ephesus. Many Jews lived in Smyrna. Also there were many people who worshiped Roman gods as well as the Emperor Tiberius. These people caused problems for the Christians in Smyrna.
Verse 10a reminds us that it is the devil who really persecutes Christians. “Don't be afraid of what will happen to you. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison.” The devil wants Christians to stop following God and follow him instead. But God uses these times of persecution to help us grow stronger.
When we face troubles or times of persecution, we can still be victorious through Jesus. God will bless us, and our final reward will be eternal life with Him. I encourage you to stay faithful to Him today and every day! —DF

“...be faithful, even if you have to die. If you continue to be faithful, I will give you the reward of life.” Revelation 2:10b

PRAYER: God, no matter what I face today, I want to remain faithful to You. In Jesus' name. Amen.