A Tale of Two Cities

Scripture: Revelation 3:17 – “For you say, ‘I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing.’ You do not realize that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked.” (NRSVue)

When people think of the Revelation to John, they think of the end of the world, the four horsemen, the Satanic Beasts, plagues and disasters, and the glories of heaven and the New Jerusalem. What they rarely notice is that Revelation is also a letter, like those of Paul, sent specifically to seven churches in what is modern Türkiye. Each church has their own issues related to how they face adversity. Do they endure through oppression or buckle to societal pressure?

I want to highlight the churches in two of the seven cities: Smyrna and Laodicea. John has the angel of the church in Smyrna say, “I know your affliction and your poverty, even though you are rich.” This is a church that is poor and rich. What this means is that they are lacking in wealth and also that they will be afflicted by people who claim to be religious but will instead throw them into prison and worse. But they are rich because of their faith. Because they see God as their greatest treasure, the angel assures them that they can endure whatever the world throws at them.

In contrast, the Laodicean church is told this by its angel. “For you say, ‘I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing.’ You do not realize that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked.” They are in the opposite position. They are wealthy and think they have everything they need. But their faith is “lukewarm.” They are not rich in faith and must repent in the face of coming troubles. They need to build up the treasure in heaven that the impoverished Smyrneans have in abundance.

In John’s time, the threat to the churches was pushback from the Roman rulers and Jewish establishment. In our time, I think the greatest threat comes from a secular society that sees religion as irrelevant or dangerous. How are our churches equipped to handle these challenges? Some churches are comfortable. They have been comfortable for years and may have a sizable endowment to go with beautiful buildings. But if they are poor in faith, their money will not save them. Likewise, there are some churches that can barely afford a pastor or may be worshiping from a storefront. But if their faith is rich, they will be able to stay together no matter what the world throws at them.

What is true for churches is also true for us. Do we depend on our wealth or our faith to get through life’s challenges? Do we trust that our position in society will save us or the grace of Jesus? Today, before you look at your bills or check your bank account or stock portfolios, look at your faith. Are you rich in spirit? If not, what kind of investments do you need to make in God? There is always trouble of some sort in our lives. With God, you can get through anything.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, let me place my faith in you, my greatest treasure. Amen.