Thou Art Rich
Submitted by Hunter Grills
February 25, 2025
Re 2:8-9 And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive; 9 I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan.
Recently, I had the opportunity to visit the children’s home In the Philippines. This trip was a blessing in numerous ways. Revelation chapter 2 speaks of the church in Smyrna. The phrase in verse 9 says, “I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich).”
I immediately think of the ministry that I was a part of in the Philippines. Outwardly, these people do not have the conveniences and pleasures that we possess here in the United States. On the surface, we easily see the poverty and troubles they endure. Although the Filipino people have difficulties, one of the greatest lessons that the Lord taught me was how rich they are spiritually. The heart of gratitude and sincere humility and the mind of a servant are truly qualities we need in our country, our homes, and our churches.
Many people in foreign countries desire to come to America for the opportunities, materialism, and pleasures that we have. The Lord has blessed our Country in tremendous ways.
However, in our comforts, we seem to have forgotten the Comforter. The lesson I learned was that although these people may be in tribulation and poverty, they are rich. They are rich because of their relationship with the Creator. They are rich because they are grateful. They are rich because they are humble. They are rich because they serve the Lord in sincerity and in Truth.
In our hearts, may we be grateful for the Lord’s blessings on us—for we have truly been blessed.
Consider – Ps 100:4 Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.
