Episode 876
Exploring Resistance and Resilience in Revelation 2:8-11
The "Daily Bible Refresh" is presented each day by Rev. Dr. Brad Miller who has a goal of speaking a bit of the bible into two million ears (one million people) in three years (2025-2028).
He is the author of "The A, B, C-1,2,3 Bible Study Guide" Free to you by clicking HERE.
Brad served as a local church pastor for forty years and has a background in radio and podcasting. Moreover, he is a life-long student of The Bible.
He believes in the words of Jesus that “scripture is fulfilled in your hearing” (Luke 4:21)
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The discussion centers around the exhortation found in Revelation 2:8-11, which addresses the church in Smyrna, a community facing substantial trials including poverty and persecution. The speaker articulates the duality of the Smyrnan experience, where visible suffering coexists with an acknowledgment of spiritual wealth. This reflection serves as a poignant reminder of the resilience inherent within those marginalized by societal systems. The podcast invites listeners to consider the implications of economic injustice while celebrating the often-unrecognized strength found in community solidarity and faith.
Moreover, the podcast critically explores the theme of religious authenticity, questioning the alignment of certain institutions with oppressive power structures. The speaker draws attention to the historical context of the message, urging listeners to contemplate the role of modern religious communities in perpetuating injustice through complacency. This examination serves to highlight the critical need for faith-based advocacy that aligns with principles of justice and equity, challenging individuals to re-evaluate their affiliations and the implications of their beliefs on societal issues.
Lastly, the podcast emphasizes the concept of sustainable resistance, encapsulated in the phrase 'Fear Nothing.' This notion is dissected to reveal that true courage involves a conscious approach to opposition, where acknowledgment of limits and self-care is paramount. The speaker encourages listeners to engage in a personal assessment of their commitments to justice, advocating for a balanced approach that honors both activism and personal health. This multifaceted discussion not only enriches the understanding of resistance but also inspires individuals to integrate their faith with actionable steps toward social justice.
Takeaways:
- This podcast episode delves into the themes of resistance and resilience found in Revelation 2:8-11, illustrating the profound challenges faced by the early Church.
- It emphasizes the coexistence of material poverty and spiritual wealth, encouraging listeners to reflect on the true nature of community bonds amidst adversity.
- The discussion critiques religious institutions that align with oppressive powers, urging an examination of how faith can sometimes support systems of injustice.
- Listeners are called to engage in sustainable resistance, recognizing the importance of self-care in the pursuit of social justice and the need for balanced activism.
- The episode provides actionable steps aimed at fostering sustainable resistance while addressing the emotional toll of activism, advocating for boundaries to prevent burnout.
- Finally, a prayer is offered, invoking a plea for wisdom and courage to navigate the complexities of faith, resistance, and justice in our contemporary context.
Links referenced in this episode:
Companies mentioned in this episode:
- voiceofgodddaily.com
Transcript
Resistance and Resilience A reflection on the Revelation 2:8 11 on the Daily Bible refresh with Dr.
Speaker A:Brad Miller hello good people.
Speaker A:Welcome to Daily Bible Refresh.
Speaker A:This is the daily visit to the Holy Scriptures that we bring to you directly from the Revised Common Lectionary.
Speaker A:We have a reading every day of the selected verse.
Speaker A:It's a three year cycle.
Speaker A:We're in year C of the Easter tide season.
Speaker A:We make the reading of the Bible understandable.
Speaker A:We read from the Message version of the Bible, the New Testament lesson only relatable.
Speaker A:We give you some points to ponder applicable.
Speaker A:We give you an action step and we have a prayer and we do all of that in under 10 minutes or so.
Speaker A:It's all brought to you by voiceofgoddd daily.com that is the home of of the ABC 123 Bible Study Method.
Speaker A: es one million people by year: Speaker A:Today's reading from the Revelation 2:8 11 Reading from the Message to Smyrna Write this to Smyrna to the angel of the Church the beginning and ending, the first and final one, the once dead and then come alive speaks.
Speaker A:I can see your pain and poverty, constant pain, dire poverty.
Speaker A:But I also see your wealth.
Speaker A:And I hear the lie in the claims of those pretending to be good Jews who in fact belong to Satan's crowd.
Speaker A:Fear nothing in the things you're about to suffer, but stay on guard.
Speaker A:Fear nothing.
Speaker A:The devil is about to throw you in jail for a time of testing.
Speaker A:10 days.
Speaker A:It won't last forever.
Speaker A:Don't quit even if it costs you your life.
Speaker A:Stay there believing I have a life crown sized and ready for you.
Speaker A:Are your ears awake?
Speaker A:Listen, listen to the wind, words, the spirit blowing through the churches.
Speaker A:Christ conquerors are safe from devil death.
Speaker A:Well welcome good friends to this exploration of this message of hope and resistance written to a community facing persecution and incredible economic injustice and hardship.
Speaker A:Let's get into some points to ponder about this reading from the Revelation.
Speaker A:The first one indeed is about economic justice.
Speaker A:The text specifically names constant pain, dire poverty, while also recognizing the community's true wealth.
Speaker A:This speaks to a modern context where material poverty often coexists with rich community bonds and spiritual resilience.
Speaker A:It challenges us to examine how economic systems create poverty while celebrating the often invisible wealth of marginalized communities.
Speaker A:The second is about religious authenticity.
Speaker A:The criticism of those who pretend to be good Jews isn't about Jewish identity, but about religious institutions that align with with oppressive power today.
Speaker A:This challenges us to examine how religious institutions sometimes support systems of injustice, whether through silence about racism or support of harmful policies or alignment with wealth over justice.
Speaker A:A third point is about sustainable resistance.
Speaker A:The message Fear Nothing isn't about blind courage, but about sustainable resistance.
Speaker A:The text here acknowledges that suffering has limits.
Speaker A:Ten days, it won't last forever is what it says, while calling for steadfast opposition to injustice.
Speaker A:This speaks to our need for both persistence and self care.
Speaker A:Injustice Work Recognizing that burnout isn't a badge of honor, here's your action step this week.
Speaker A:Examine your relationship with sustainable resistance.
Speaker A:Where in your life might you need to set some boundaries to prevent burnout?
Speaker A:Where might you need to step up your commitment?
Speaker A:Choose a concrete action that balances justice, work and self care.
Speaker A:This might mean joining some sort of an aid network while also scheduling regular rest, or speaking up against injustice while ensuring you have the proper support yourself.
Speaker A:We're going to pray in just a moment, but I did want to share with you that we have a resource for you to help you in your daily Bible study in your own in your own rights.
Speaker A:We love it when you come here to Daily Bible Refresh to hear the word of God.
Speaker A:We want you to study it on your own.
Speaker A:And you can go to voiceofgodddaily.com that's our website.
Speaker A:And there we have a free resource called the ABC 123 Bible Study Guide.
Speaker A:It will help you in your daily walk with God through the scriptures.
Speaker A:Now let's pray.
Speaker A:Oh God, you are a source of courage.
Speaker A:We live in times when resistance feels exhausting and poverty seems permanent.
Speaker A:Help us remember that systems of oppression aren't eternal.
Speaker A:It won't last forever.
Speaker A:Give us wisdom to recognize true wealth in your community bonds and collective resistance.
Speaker A:When we feel afraid, remind us of your presence in moments of justice.
Speaker A:When we're tempted to burn out, teach us sustainable ways of resistance.
Speaker A:When religious institutions align with power, help us to stay true to your liberating love.
Speaker A:Grant us courage for the long haul of justice work, knowing that you are with us in every act of resistance, in every hope and determination we pray.
Speaker A:Amen.
Speaker A:Amen.
Speaker A:Amen.
Speaker A:Amen.
Speaker A:So great to be with you.
Speaker A:Here on Daily Bible Refresh, we have a mission, a goal of getting the audible word of God into 2 million ears.
Speaker A: That's a million people by: Speaker A:How about you join me in this effort to do just that?
Speaker A:Here's what you do.
Speaker A:You join me again tomorrow here on Daily Bible Refresh.
Speaker A:But this time call or contact somebody and have them join us and have it shared in your social media network as well.
Speaker A:Until that time, friends, My name is Dr.
Speaker A:Brad Miller.
Speaker A:Remember that God's loyal love doesn't run out.
Speaker A:Its merciful love hasn't dried up.
Speaker A:It's created new every morning.
