Turkey, Day 5 - Restoring Power

Günaydın which means good morning! Today we set out again to see what The Lord had for us and it was a powerful day. We had an early morning 5:00am wake up call to set out for our first stop of the day: Pergamum. 

This enormous city was up on the mountain which for us began with a gondola ride to the top. But to give you an idea of how big this space is, we clocked about 12,000 steps, over 5 miles of walking, while learning in this region. It was referred to by many as the most beautiful city in all of Asia. Pergamum was battling for power during its days against Ephesus and Smyrna. The population was around 150,000 people and given its location and size, it was clearly a powerful force. 

It’s here that we get another letter in Revelation, written to the church of Pergamum. The entire letter is valuable to read, but let me just highlight one verse. Revelation 2:13 says, “I know where you dwell, where Satan’s throne is. Yet you hold fast my name, and you did not deny my faith even in the days of Antipas my faithful witness, who was killed among you, where Satan dwells.” This leads us to consider what Jesus is eluding to when He says “Satan’s throne”. We considered and sat at so many locations at this sight that could be what He’s referring to: Zeus Altar, Athena Temple, Pergamum Library, Trajan Temple, a massive theater, Dionysus Temple, The Asclepion. All of these places were immaculate and gorgeous when you look at the stones and structures. But what they communicate is “we have the power.” “We have everything you need.” Imagine the tension for this early church. In a place where status, social classes and medical resources were held by this power, they felt the tension. We looked at the example of our Savior who, in Mark 15:16-39, shows us a True example of power displaced in meekness. That entire passage is incredibly significant. Jesus could have just stepped off the cross. How much more power did it take to stay? It was a demonstration of strength under control. For us it is understanding that Jesus is enough. This was a struggle for the Pergamum church because within their church there were “some who hold to the teaching of Balaam” and “some who hold the teaching of the Nicolaitans.” (Rev 2:14:15) These were teachings that were in conflict with the Scriptures. It requires great sacrifice to walk in His truth and only His truth. This is what God is calling us to as well. To see Him as enough. 

After lunch, which included incredible pistachio baklava for dessert, we made our way to the sixth of our seven early church stops: Smyrna. This site was in the middle of a modernized city but was larger than Philadelphia and Thyatira. One thing that has been special is that each site has looked very different and unique, making each one stand out from the others. Smyrna has beautiful arch supports that were the remains of what would have been a two-story agora. The agora is the shopping strip within the city. Imagine outlet malls on steroids! We sat down beneath these arches in what felt like underground tunnels and learned about the church of Smyrna. This letter is a very different letter in comparison to the other letters. It has no criticism. It’s fairly short in word, but deep in meaning. This church was facing deep and widespread persecution. They were slandered, ridiculed by Jews who wanted to distance themselves from Christians, and Jesus told them they would suffer even more. Members of the church of Smyrna would be thrown in prison and tested in their faith. They were commanded to be faithful unto death. 

We paused for a moment and considered receiving this. What if my church received this letter? Would we find our strength in things like Psalm 34:9 which says, “Oh, fear the Lord, you his saints, for those who fear him have no lack!” Or Matthew 10:28 which says, “And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.” Or 1 Peter 4:16 which says, “Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name.” We sat and soaked up this idea that we do not have to be afraid. The world does not have power over us. This however does not mean we won’t suffer. It does not mean we won’t be put to the test. Smyrna was told that if they remain faithful that Jesus will give them the crown of life (Rev 2:10b). Can we hope for the same? Can we as a church restore our view of power and properly place our fear in God alone rather than in any man, circumstance, or spiritual enemy? We left Smyrna considering the persecution we may face knowing we can cling to the promise of life in Jesus, hearing and obeying Him.

Now we head to our final hotel for the trip where we will be for the next three nights. Tomorrow is a BIG day so pray for great rest, ears to hear, and eyes to see all The Lord has for us!