DAY 13

Philadelphia – The Church with an Open Door

‘To the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: These are the words of him who is holy and true, who holds the key of David. What he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open. I know your deeds. See I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. I know you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name. I will make those who are of the synagogue of Satan, who claim to be Jews though they are not, but are liars – I will make them come and fall down at your feet and acknowledge that I have loved you. Since you have kept my command to endure patiently, I will also keep you from the hour of trial that is going to come on the whole world to test the inhabitants of the earth. I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take your crown. The one who is victorious [overcomes] I will make a pillar in the temple of my God. Never again will they leave it. I will write on them the name of my God and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which is coming down out of heaven from my God; and I will also write on them my new name. Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’ Revelation 3:7-13 (NIVUK)

Reflection

The church in Philadelphia was small but faithful. It had little strength, yet kept God’s Word and did not deny His name. Similar to the church in Smyrna, there was no challenge, only commendation for its ability to endure patiently.

Jesus promised to open a door for this church that no one could shut. The door symbolised access to spiritual blessings, opportunities for service and the chance to enter into a deeper relationship with God. Nothing could prevent these opportunities from being available to those who were receptive, nor could these blessings be forced on those who were not. This is as true for us today as it was for the church in Philadelphia.

As the Good Shepherd, Jesus is here to lead and guide us, sometimes with challenge and correction and sometimes with encouragement and praise.

Faithfulness matters deeply to Jesus. This church didn’t compromise, so Jesus promised to vindicate them, protect them, and make them pillars in His temple, unshakable and permanent. He gave them His name, His identity and His presence.

To overcome doesn’t mean being the biggest or boldest. It means staying true, holding fast and enduring patiently. The good news is that we don’t have to try and summon these things up, as they are the fruit of partnering with the Holy Spirit: ‘We [the apostle Paul and Timothy] continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have endurance and patience…’ Colossians 1:9-11 (NIVUK)

The Lord also commends the church in Philadelphia for its endurance and patience. Both of these characteristics are highly valued by God because they are essential for spiritual growth, character development, and receiving His promises. They unlock whole realms of blessing and transformation, leading to a stronger relationship with Him. Jesus Himself is our ultimate reward.

Devotional

by Martha French

 

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