Scripture: Revelation 3:7-13 “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 that 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 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.
Devotional: This week, as we continue in our “Dear Church” series, we are looking at the church of Philadelphia. This church is a little different from the rest of the churches we have read about in that it was not condemned for anything. There was no sin or shortcoming that was holding them back.
Instead, Jesus affirms them for they have not denied His name and they have endured things with patience. Since there is no correction in this letter, it is primarily an encouragement to the church. Because of their faithfulness, God will open a door for them that will not be shut. John 10:9 says, “I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out, and find pasture.” And Colossians 4:3 says, “And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains.” Both of these verses speak to the imagery of the open door.
The open door is how people are brought to Jesus. This means that God will use the people in the church of Philadelphia to bring Him honor and glory. He has opened the door for them to share about the life-altering news of Jesus. When are faithful despite life’s tribulations, there are blessings our faith. One of those, and perhaps the greatest of those, is being able to point people back to Jesus.
Reflect:
- Have you ever thought about being an open door for God to use in brining others to know Jesus? In what ways do you think God could use you to do that?