“... know your works, tribulation, and poverty..." (Revelation 2:9)
“I know your… tribulation...”
Tribulation: This is a strong word. It signifies a pressure of persecution. The word used here suggests the pressure of the stones that grind the wheat or that force the juice out of the grapes.
“I know your… poverty”
Poverty: The word indicates actual beggars. This is not poor in spirit. Rather, it includes all of those that have suffered the loss of all things: Loss of trade, loss of social position, or loss of the bare necessities of life.
The finer graces of the believer’s character are only revealed under bruising and pressure – as wheat through grinding.
In our service of God, there is no profounder proof of grace of character than that of being able to suffer wrongfully and yet to manifest a gracious spirit.
In the midst of such adversity, know that by showing that we have attained such a gracious spirit in our service to God yields a great reward – that of eternal life!
“Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.” (Revelation 2:10)
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