Revelation 3 - 07.27.23
SCRIPTURE: Revelation 3:7a, 8 NIV
“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. I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name.”
OBSERVATION:
One of the MOST important things to keep in mind in reading the Book of Revelation is the meaning itself.
The word Revelation means “Unveiling”. This is where we get our English word Apocalypse which, unfortunately, is today a synonym for chaos and catastrophe. The verb actually means—to “uncover, to reveal”.
Here we have letters that Jesus has told John to “write down in a book and send to the seven churches which are in Asia” (1:11). Jesus has specific messages for each of the churches—and for ALL churches through all the ages (Ch.2-3). I find it so interesting that the churches were able to read the encouragement AND the warnings that Jesus gave for all seven Churches. That in itself demonstrates there is something that the LORD desires to teach each of us personally by reading these letters. May my heart be open.
In each of the seven letters Jesus manifests an aspect of His Character—Who HE is—which meets the specific needs of that church. Jesus then goes on to share what they are doing well, what issues they have, the challenges they need to respond to, AND a Promise is Given if they do Follow and Obey Jesus in responding to the challenges.
To the Church in Philadelphia Jesus presents Himself as “Holy and True” and who “Holds the Keys of David”.
(The Keys of David was a reference from Isaiah 22:22—But More Important Jesus Holds THE Keys of the Kingdom of God—Life and Death. Jesus, Alone, is the WAY to eternal life.)
“I AM the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved” (John 10:9a NKJV)
APPLICATION
Keep HIS Word—Share His Gospel
The Church of Philadelphia has my attention because Jesus said, “You have Little Strength”. They may not have been a “large” or “strong” Church—but they were “faithful”.
“You have Kept My Word and Not Denied My Name” (vs 8).
Jesus said that HE Himself had Placed an Open Door that No Man could shut.
It is not the size or strength of a church that determines its ministry—and it is not our own weaknesses or inability that determine our ability to serve God—rather it is—Faith in His Calling and Obedience to His Word.
“Whom have I in heaven but you?
And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you.
My flesh and my heart may fail,
but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” (Psalm 73:25-26 ESV)
“Faithful and absolutely trustworthy is He who is calling you to Himself for your salvation, and He will do it-He will fulfill His call by making you holy, guarding you, watching over you, and protecting you as His own.”
(1 Thessalonians 5:24 AMP)
PRAYER
LORD Jesus,
You are Holy and True. Faithful and Trustworthy. Nothing Compares with You. You are the One and Only Authentic Sovereign Creator of ALL that exists. I can never wrap my mind around the concept that You gave me Your Holy Spirit. You Live IN me. You will Never ever forsake me. I am weak. But You are Strong. I am flesh and bone. But You have set Your Holy everlasting Spirit inside me—to equip, counsel, guide, and direct my path. You Open doors that NO man can shut. No matter how things appear in the natural—You are sovereign over All. Help me Lord to Move out—In Your Strength—In Your Power—to be Faithful like the Philadelphia church—to Keep Your Word—share Your Gospel—share your Name--wherever you send me. Here I am Lord. Send me. amen
Tina L Kudelka