Revelation 3:7-13 New Living Translation (NLT)
Do you ever focus on your weaknesses? The enemy is really good at trying to steer our attention in that direction in order to halt our spiritual progress and faith. But, as believers, when we are weak in a given area of our lives, that is the perfect place to reveal God’s strength. The Lord told the Apostle Paul, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9). But, we have to get to the point where we do not despise our weaknesses. Instead, we look at them as opportunities for God to reveal his power and be glorified. Christ has the authority and the power to operate in our lives, but we have to invite him into those places. He knows all about our weaknesses, anyway. The truest test for us is to endure our weaknesses while inviting the Lord to shine through us; there is no room for worldly pride in our lives.
In our passage today, the Church in Philadelphia is about to experience some amazing things despite their weakness or lack of power. They have been faithful to follow the Spirit of the Law. Christ is going to reward them by opening a door—giving access to God—honoring and protecting true believers from much of what the world will taste before his second coming. Keep your focus on his power; make him Lord of your weaknesses. Listen up!
Revelation 3:7-13 The Message to the Church in Philadelphia [western Asia Minor]
7 “Write this letter to the angel of the church in Philadelphia.
This is the message from the one who is holy and true [resurrected Christ],
the one who has the key of David.What he opens, no one can close;
and what he closes, no one can open [Jesus has access to God]:8 “I know all the things you do, and I have opened a door for you that no one can close. You have little strength, yet you obeyed my word and did not deny me. 9 Look, I will force those who belong to Satan’s synagogue—those liars who say they are Jews but are not—to come and bow down at your feet. They will acknowledge that you are the ones I love.
10 “Because you have obeyed my command to persevere, I will protect you from the great time of testing that will come upon the whole world to test those who belong to this world. 11 I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take away your crown. 12 All who are victorious will become pillars in the Temple of my God [close to the glory of God], and they will never have to leave it. And I will write on them the name of my God, and they will be citizens in the city of my God—the new Jerusalem that comes down from heaven from my God. And I will also write on them my new name.
13 “Anyone with ears to hear must listen to the Spirit and understand what he is saying to the churches.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for taking my weakness and for making me strong in the power of your might. I acknowledge my need for you; there is no room in my life for selfish or prideful actions. In Jesus’ name. Amen.