Day eleven of the run, 140 kilometres behind him, his camera stolen and his knees giving out, Karol was running across the world to raise money for a sick girl’s treatment, and right then he faced the question: hold on or give up. That question opens a reflection on the letter to the church in Smyrna (Revelation 2), a community poor, persecuted, and called rich by Jesus. The sermon speaks of who places obstacles on our road to God, and why Jesus introduces himself here as the first and the last, the one who was dead and came to life. Listen if your life with God feels more like a marathon than an oasis of calm.
Discussion questions
For your small group or for personal reflection after the sermon.
- Jesus introduces himself to the church in Smyrna as "the First and the Last, who died and came to life again" (Revelation 2:8). Why might these particular words have encouraged persecuted believers?
- What do the words "I know your afflictions and your poverty, yet you are rich" mean, and how could the believers in Smyrna be rich despite being poor?
- Jesus does not promise Smyrna an easy road; he warns of prison and affliction. How does it affect you that God speaks openly about hardship instead of promising that things will soon get better?
- The sermon said that on the road with God there will be people who want to stop us, and that Satan knows our weak spots. In what situations do you feel most tempted to leave the path or take a shortcut?
- The stories of Michał and the church in the Luhansk region show faithfulness at a high cost. What do you think helped them persevere, and what can you learn from them?
- What specific everyday choice, at work, at school, or on the road, are you facing this week, and how do you want to stay faithful to Jesus in it?
