To most of the churches Jesus has words of correction and rebuke as well as commendation. Only two churches receive no rebuke from Jesus, and Smyrna is one of those churches. However, this doesn’t mean Jesus’ letter to Smyrna is nothing but unicorns and roses. In some ways, the letter reads as though Jesus is saying “I know it’s bad, and it’s about to get a whole lot worse.” Where is the good news for this struggling church? Where is their encouragement?
The truth is we all go through times of tribulation in life, and Jesus’ promise isn’t that he will help us escape those times or make or problems go away. His promise is that he uses those times to test us and grow us. His goal is a better you. His goal is a stronger church. So, Jesus tells Smyrna and us two things as we approach times of tribulation: “Do not fear,” and “Be faithful.”