Every believer must use his or her faith when it comes to trusting God for the future. So much of God’s plan must be revealed over time. Still, we always have a foundation of Truth on which to stand, because Jesus is the Solid Rock and Word of Wisdom and he existed from the beginning of time and faithfully directs our paths (John 1:1; Pro 3:5-6). We must trust him and stay connected to the Word if we desire to grow in the Truth.
The Apostle John is the author of the Book of Revelation; written around 95 AD while John is exiled on the island of Patmos as a punishment for preaching the message of Christ in Asia Minor [modern day Turkey]. The word “revelation” actually comes from the Greek word “apokalypsis” and translates “unveiling.” God uses the apostle and his letters to begin to unveil what has been unknown about the future of the world and the heavenlies. John is issued a command from the Lord to write his Word to the seven churches is Asia Minor. Only two churches mentioned in those letters actually gain the Lord’s approval.
In his letter to the Church in Philadelphia [translates “brotherly love”], the Lord sends a Word of encouragement. Their wholehearted love for God and one another pleases the Lord; they emulate the characteristic of Christ. Because of their love, these believers are used by the Lord. This spiritual family in Philadelphia faces challenges; however, God also opens righteous doors of blessings and provision to face these difficulties. This church is the recipient of divinely “opened doors.”
Challenges come to those who please God, but with every hardship there will be an open door from God for provision and help. Righteous Love [agape/selfless] always leads the Way to victory! This was true from the beginning of time and it will be true at the end of time, as well. “Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance” (1 Cor 13:7).
These letters from the Lord to the churches and especially this one today are tremendously important for believers across the globe. Before Christ returns for his Church Body [all believers seeking to walk in obedience to God’s Word through the Spirit], the world will be shaken and unsettled in order to give an occasion for every human to call upon the name of the Lord. God wants to save humanity and he will even allow challenges in order to provide witnesses [believers] to the rescuing Savior who opens the door to God’s mercy and care.
For the present day church, abundant courage and trust will be necessary if we are to fulfill our mission from God. The unveiling is happening over time. No one knows when Christ will return, but the Word of God has revealed some things to notice as we follow and obey him (Matthew 24–which we will explore in our LIFE Lessons soon). Our response should be positive and hope-filled when we begin to see more unveiling of Christ’s return for us.
This is not a time for fear, because the enemy will use fear to stop the blessing of God’s love (1 John 4:18). This is a time for great faith and love. God will protect his own and those obedient to his Word. Fear not! Instead, have ears to hear what the Spirit is saying. Rise Up; be filled with excitement, courageous faith, and see the salvation of the Lord. It’s a privilege for those who connect to Christ [the Living Word].
Revelation 3:7-13 NLT The Message to the Church in Philadelphia
7 “Write this letter to the angel of the church in Philadelphia.
This is the message from the one who is holy and true,
the one who has the key of David.
What he opens, no one can close;
and what he closes, no one can open:[quoting Isaiah 22:22]
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 [suddenly]. 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, 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, your commands are clear. We are to love you wholeheartedly and love our neighbors as we love ourselves. In our desire to fulfill your commands, we gather as a spiritual family and we help one another grow in all of these areas. We know our first love must be you, Lord. When we love you in a righteous and wholehearted way, we have the power and desire to love others into a place of wholeness with you. A preoccupation on self and selfish desires are always trying to gain power in our lives, but we cast down wrong spirits for the Holy Spirit who leads us in the Truth of your agape [selfless love]. In Jesus’ name. Amen.