Poor--Yet Rich?

"I know your afflictions and your poverty--yet you are rich!"  Revelation 2:9 (NIV)

Jesus had only praise and encouragement for the church at Smyrna. They represent the persecuted church--and we in America have no idea what that means. The Christians there had lost their employment  and their belongings because of their unwillingness to compromise their faith. Today in America, we think we are taking a strong stand for Jesus if we have a Bible tucked away in our desk at work or wear a 14 carat gold cross around our neck. The church at Smyrna was facing more than loss of income or belongings--they were facing death. In that day, people were required to worship Ceasar. Those who refused were sentenced to a horrible death. But Jesus assures them that He knows their circumstances. He reminds them that it is the second death (God's final judgment) that is to be feared and that they will not be hurt by it. For all their poverty and hardship, Jesus says they are rich--their treasure is in heaven. Where is yours?