Issue 1192 – Seven Churches Part 7 – March 11, 2024
This morning, we continue our journey to the Seven Churches of Revelation. We have moved on to Philadelphia, the easternmost city of the seven, along the ancient Roman postal route.
Philadelphia was built on an active volcanic zone and was subject to frequent disruptive and destructive earthquakes. The danger from falling buildings was such that most people lived outside the city walls, entering it only to do their business.
Still, it was strategically located, where East met West and vital for trade and exchanging ideas. The fertile soil in the area helped keep the city prosperous.
Another city of idol worship, Philadelphia, was renowned for the quality and quantity of temples. It earned the nickname of “Little Athens.”
It was another city where the followers of Jesus experienced isolation and persecution for their faith.
In stark contrast to some of the churches we have visited so far, Jesus offers no condemnation to this church. Instead, he offers only praise and encouragement.
“And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: ‘The words of the holy one, the true one, who has the key of David, who opens and no one will shut, who shuts and no one opens. I know your works. Behold, I have set before you an open door, which no one is able to shut. I know that you have but little power, and yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name.Behold, I will make those of the synagogue of Satan who say that they are Jews and are not, but lie—behold, I will make them come and bow down before your feet, and they will learn that I have loved you. Because you have kept my word about patient endurance, I will keep you from the hour of trial that is coming on the whole world, to try those who dwell on the earth. I am coming soon. Hold fast what you have, so that no one may seize your crown. The one who conquers, I will make him a pillar in the temple of my God. Never shall he go out of it, and I will write on him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which comes down from my God out of heaven, and my own new name. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” Revelation 3:7-13
As with any of the letters, a great deal is contained in a few short verses. I have opted to concentrate on two words.
HOLD FAST.
No matter what the people of Philadelphia faced in terms of earthly danger from earthquakes, persecution or rejection, they were called to hold fast.
Jesus, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, sovereign over the universe, tells them to hold the line. No matter what comes, he has their back and promises they will be His.
That call to believers is no less true today. The visible church has fallen out of favour in the world, perhaps in many ways, rightly so. Yet, Jesus remains in charge. His way is still the only way. He remains the way, the truth, and the life.
When we feel pressure to compromise on our faith, He encourages us to hold fast. When the world claims there are many ways we are called to persevere. When society rejects Him, we are still called to hold the line.
With Christ, we have the ultimate victory. The war has been won, and God remains in charge. In truth, the battle was won before it ever began; evil had no way to triumph.
Christ came incarnate at precisely the right moment to save us all. He will return at the precise moment the Father has declared. It is no cliche to claim that the battle belongs to the Lord.
No matter what the world throws at us, we remain His. Hold fast my dear friends, hold fast.
Be blessed
Hallelu Yah / Praise God
Kevin
Gleanings From The Word
Experience an extraordinary God in ordinary life.
Soli Deo Gloria (For the glory of God alone)
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Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture references are from the English Standard Version (ESV)