When God opens the Windows of Heaven

When God opens the windows of heaven to bless us, the devil will open the doors of hell to blast us."


Lord, make my heart ready for Your message of truth today.


"And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write ... "I know your works, tribulation, and poverty (but you are rich) ..."  (Revelation 2:8-9)


Smyrna was a beautiful city - a cultured and wealthy metropolis. But it was also a very pagan city. And in the midst of the opulence and decadence, a little church sprang up that was mightily blessed of God. They had a pastor they loved, a Lord they followed, a Book they believed, and they were winning people to Jesus Christ. And persecution set in.


Leonard Ravenhill expressed so well a truth Christians need to learn: "When God opens the windows of heaven to bless us, the devil will open the doors of hell to blast us."


In fact, it you look at the very name "Smyrna" that same word is translated elsewhere in the Bible as "myrrh." Myrrh was a highly prized aromatic resin used in perfumes and embalming ointments. its sweet fragrance came from being crushed. These insights hold significance as we think of the suffering church of Smyrna - blessed of God yet experiencing severe tribulation, persecution and poverty.


Now, the persecution came because they would not fit in. They stood against polytheism. They refused to say that Caesar was lord. They would not go along with the societal system, so they couldn't get jobs and their goods were confiscated. Understand that you're not guaranteed success, prosperity and popularity just because you're a Christian. There may be adversity and people may hate you. But what matters is how you are seen in the eyes of your Lord.


Though this church was impoverished in the eyes of men, God said they were very rich. The word "rich" hear is the word from which we get our word "plutocrats." He's saying they are the richest of the rich, the highest of society! This poor little rich church possessed a vast incorruptible fortune. And if you want to know how rich you are, just add up everything you have that money cannot buy and death cannot take away.


~Adrian Rogers~