Scripture/Text: Revelation 2:8-11; This Sunday, we will be meditating on the message to the church of Smyrna (Revelation 2:8-11). We will explore Jesus' description of Himself as “the First and the Last” (see Revelation 1:17-18 and Isaiah 44:6-8), and as the One “who died and came to life again.” My prayer is that we will be encouraged, comforted, and challenged in seeing how Jesus responds to the affliction that the church in Smyrna is facing, and thus also how He responds to us in our affliction. To Christ be the glory!