Dream Awakener

Feel free to catch up on the first four parts, the church at Sardis, the church at Ephesus, the church at Pergamum and the church at Thyatria. Today we are going to look at the church at Smyrna. Take a moment to read about the church in Smyrna in Revelation and then look over the painting and let’s talk about it. This is the last painting in the series.

I asked Jennifer: In regard to the church Smyrna, what were the emotions that you were feeling as you were painting this picture?

She said, “This is a great question. The main thing I felt while creating this painting was conviction. The church in Smyrna suffered poverty and martyrdom for their faith and I can only hope that if I was in that situation, I would stand firm in my faith and not waver. I am moved by their faith and their willingness to stand firm even to death and to suffer so much for the sake of Christ and the gospel… I can’t help but feel inspired. There is a sense of melancholy in this painting… sadness and compassion for the suffering that took place, yet a bittersweet joy too, that these Christians were obedient, no matter the cost. For me, it is inspiring and convicting.”

What do you think about when you think of the church in Smyrna? What churches in the world today are like the church in Smyrna? What does this painting evoke in you?