Revelation 3:7-8 NLT “Write this letter to the angel of the church of Philadelphia. This is the message from the one who is holy and true, the one who has the key of David. What he opens no one can close, and what he closes, no one can open.
I know all the things you do, and I have opened a door for you that no one can close. You have little strength, yet you obeyed my word and did not deny me.“
Revelation 3:9 NLT “Look, I will force those who belong to Satan’s synagogue – those liars who say they are Jews but are not-to come and bow down at your feet. They will acknowledge that you are the ones I love.”
Revelation 3 10-11 NLT “Because you have obeyed my command to persevere, I will protect you from the great time of testing that will come upon the whole world to test those who belong to this world. I am coming soon. Hold onto what you have so that no one will take away your crown.”
Revelation 3:12-13 NLT “All who are victorious will become pillars in the Temple of God, and they will never have to leave it. And I will write on them the name of my God, and they will be citizens in the city of my God-the new Jerusalem that comes down from heaven from my God. And I will write on them my new name.
Anyone with ears to hear must listen to the Spirit and understand what he is saying to the churches.”
Philadelphia was a city in Asia-Minor (modern-day Turkey) on the Imperial Post route, an important trade route.
This letter was not one of Johns personal messages to this group of believers but a personal message from the Lord, who as we read identified himself as ‘him who is holy and true, who holds the key of David. Exclaiming what he opens, stays open and what me closes stays closed. This description emphasizes His holiness, His sovereignty and His authority.
Jesus affirms the churches positive actions. What this churches weakness was I do not know but Jesus praises them for tho they were weak, they were faithful in the face of trials.
There was much persecution in the day of the early churches! Jesus refers to the religious hypocrites who were persecuting his believers. He states that one day they will realize Christ’s love for his children. The church of Philidelphia would stand victorious over its enemies.
Jesus encouraged the Philidelphia believers and you and I regarding his future coming: ‘Since you have kept my command to endure patiently, I will also keep you from the hour of trial that will come upon the whole world testing those who live on the earth.’
Hold on to what you have so no one can take away your crown! The church and our faithful endurance will serve as a blessing when Jesus takes us with him before the coming tribulation.
Jesus’ final promise in this letter to the believers in Philadelphia and to all believers: ‘to him who overcomes, I will make a pillar in the temple of my God and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which is coming down from out of heaven from my God; and I will also write in him my new name.’
“God promised that He will not just honor overcomers by erecting a pillar in their name in heaven, as was the custom in Philadelphia. He will make them pillars in the spiritual temple of God, the New Jerusalem.” Professor Thomas Constable
Jesus is speaking to you and me! He gives us an example of a church that is weak yet faithful! Not all of us will be mighty men of God! Not all of us will stand behind a pulpit preaching the word of God with authority. Not all of us can speak out our faith in a strong, loud voice. So all can hear!
Faithful…that’s the message our Lord is conveying…even in weakness, remain steadfast in Him, as He is always faithful to His word! And to us, his church, he gives His word!
Philippians 4:13 NLT “For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.”
So, on the days your spirit is low, your faith is weak, your waiting is tiring, your walk is lonely, and your prayers feel unheard, remember you are not alone. Many of us are on the same road to Philadelphia. I will meet you there. I will be the one wearing the crown of perseverance, standing beside my pillar!
Be blessed today, and try to be a blessing! Thank you for sharing some time in Sunshine. ❤️☀️🥰
Sunshine On My Shoulder 