<aside> <img src="https://prod-files-secure.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/49de0235-e8bc-4eca-bf20-2a9d6d267a02/885ee0ec-6ba6-47aa-b8f0-037c3f0c2a57/IMAGE_2024-02-23_213637.jpg" alt="https://prod-files-secure.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/49de0235-e8bc-4eca-bf20-2a9d6d267a02/885ee0ec-6ba6-47aa-b8f0-037c3f0c2a57/IMAGE_2024-02-23_213637.jpg" width="40px" /> Smyrna, an ancient city known in the first century for its last stand against the unprincipled and illegitimate opposition to the will of God. This city, one of the seven communities mentioned in Rev 2-3, is particularly noted for its deaconic genius for excellence in witness, in season and out, in life and even in death.
Smyrna, the second of seven communities mentioned in Rev 2-3 whose guardian angel Telios (also known as Gabriel) stood against the spirit and man of lawlessness embodying the deaconic hand gift in the NT ecclesia representing the deaconic genius of artisanal excellence in the execution of the will of God. This is love perfected within the City of faith that implements with precision and declares the “Thus says the Lord” to interpret exactly which way to proceed either to the left or to the right or not at all.
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[Second] - Refers to the 2nd of seven communities within the larger City of faith, known for its strategic role in the precise and timely execution of the divine gameplan. This community represents the mission-critical ground offensive, part of a higher command that operates under divine secrecy. The reasons for this are not always disclosed, as they are sometimes hidden within the divine counsel for purposes that He is not at liberty to reveal.
[Telios] - In Hebrew tradition, this term is associated with angelic activity and is sometimes referred to as “Gabriel”. Gabriel is known for his appearance at the right side of the altar of incense during the birth narrative of John the Baptist, as detailed in Luke 1:20-25. His announcement to a disbelieving Zachariah in the Tabernacle marked the start of a new messianic era. The term 'Telios' is used to describe a journey from alpha to omega, where the final destination or goal is reached through a timetable that is not always published in advance. Often, the details of this journey are hidden in plain sight and are only revealed after the fact, not before.
[lawlessness] - This term refers to a spirit and principle of evil that defies God's authority. It is personified in the Bible as a destructive "thief" (John 10:10). The "man of lawlessness" is a figure who is prophesied to oppose God in the end times. The term is used to describe both the spirit of rebellion that underlies all sin, as well as specific individuals who embody this spirit in particularly significant ways.
[hand gift] - This term refers to the remarkable motor skills of an athlete who, through extensive practice, delivers a performance that far exceeds expectations. It's a display of kinaesthetic intelligence and a drive to excel. The concept is akin to a heavenly script for earthly implementation, as symbolised by Gabriel at the right side of the altar of incense where the angel Gabriel appeared to Zechariah.
[deaconic genius] - The deaconic genius is known for its brilliance and strategic foresight. It's like a star in the night sky, guiding us with its light. This genius is not just about having a knack for something, but it's about making a mark in the world with our unique talents and abilities. It's about creating a legacy that stands the test of time, much like how a star's light continues to shine long after it's gone.
[love perfected] - This term refers to love in its purest and most perfect form, often compared to a bride meticulously prepared for her king. It's a love that's been refined through trials, much like how a diamond is formed under pressure. It's about a love that's been prepared in the background, away from the public eye, and is finally revealed in all its glory at the right time. It's a love that's not just about feelings, but about a deep, unshakable commitment that stands the test of time.
[interpret] - The term "hermeneutic" in 1 Cor 14:26 refers to the process of making sense of a complex idea. It involves more than just translation; it's about making the idea clear and ready for action. This is like the "thus says the Lord" moment, where the Spirit helps us understand and apply the mind of Christ in real time.
