$Whatever It Be,

“Second Sunday in Advent!”
“Whatever It Be, Remain Faithful To The Gospel!”(Rev 2:8-11).
Today is second Sunday in Advent. Two more Sundays and it’s Christmas.
Our text for reflection is the first of the letters addressed to the angels of the seven historical Churches of the time; albeit that all these took place in the vision of John the Apocalypse.
The Church of Christ in the world constantly calls the poor and wretched sinners to repentance. The converts do not become saints overnight.
Unfortunately, once within the fold, some members may begin to believe that belongingness is the sole criteria for salvation. Such are those who in the Church in Smyrna think they are Jews when in reality they are “a synagogue of Satan.”
Since the ruling ideas are ipso facto always the ideas of the ruling class, these members of the synagogue of Satan through manipulation, bully, coercion and intimidation plant fear in the hearts of the majority. The Lord Jesus tells the sufferers, “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…Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life.”
The afflictions of the faithfuls are momentary. Whatever woe betide you because of your faith, do not give up!
Do not give up on God, for he has not given up on you!
You will overcome and “will not be hurt at all by the second death.”
Keep the faith and look up to the One who comes to you on Christmas.
Advent prayer: Holy Spirit help me to withstand the pain inflicted by the darts from those in the synagogue of Satan. Amen!
Have a blessed Sunday! Peace be with you!
Rev Babila Fochang.