January 14 - Revelation. Philadelphia (pt. 2)

January 14 – Revelation. Philadelphia (pt. 2)
Revelation 3:7-13

The letter to the Philadelphians is the only one that carries no rebuke. Jesus tells them that He knows their deeds. The door that he opens, no one can shut. He placed it before them.

Now, I’m not sure why they did this, but in the NIV translation, there is a word that has been omitted. The Greek word is ‘idou’ which is translated as Behold. It is used three times in these next verses. Let’s look at the King James Version of these verses:

“I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name. Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet and to know that I have loved thee.” (Rev. 3:8-9)

Behold! Look and see! Pay attention! These verses are tied together with the constant reminder to look and see what the Lord is doing.

The small church in Philadelphia was persecuted by Jews that were intent on holding them to the traditions and religious rituals of Judaism. They insisted that the way to God was not through Jesus, but through rituals such as circumcision. This community of Jews wasn’t simply rejecting the Word of God, but were persecuting Christians.

In their rejection of Jesus as Messiah, what was once promised to them in Isaiah 60:14 “”The sons of your oppressors will come bowing before you; all who despise you will bow at your feet” was going to be turned on them as they were about to bow at the feet of Jesus.

Then, they would acknowledge that Jesus loved this little church. That was an awesome promise to the Philadelphians, who in Rev. 3:10 it is said endured patiently. Because of their enduring faith, Jesus promised them that they would not have to endure the trials to come.

We are finally seeing the imminence of Christ’s return. He is coming soon.

The overcomer would be made a pillar in God’s temple. In a region that had been shaken for years by earthquakes, Jesus promised strength and safety – a building that was strong enough to withstand anything.

He was also speaking in spiritual terms. In 1 Timothy 3:15, we read “If I am delayed, you will know how people ought to conduct themselves in God’s household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth.”

The church should be the pillar – the strength of truth. Philadelphia had endured much, yet remained strong. The people had endured terror from the many earthquakes, yet they stood strong.

Then they are given three assurances as overcomers. They belong to God, they hold citizenship in the New Jerusalem and are specially related to Jesus (Rev. 3:12). After all is said and done, when we have breathed our last on this earth and it all passes away, we are assured that we have a home where God is in control and we will never be asked to leave.